The role of the photographic arts in psychiatry.

Photography is a medium that has historical roots in psychiatry. It is an art form that shares some concepts with psychodynamic psychotherapy and can also provide psychotherapeutic value. In addition, it can provide a means of stress reduction for the burned-out clinician. Photographs can also be utilised for educational activities to stimulate reflection and discussion.

Creating Successful Presentations.

Lecture presentations may first be improved by thoughtfully reflecting on how learners might best absorb the material, considering the intended audience and focusing on the essential information to be delivered. The addition of slides should augment the presentation, not draw attention away from it. Slides should contain a minimum of verbiage and bullet points. Visual images may enhance the talk. Paying attention to the style of delivery will also aid in getting the message across.

APA summit on medical student education task force on informatics and technology: steps to enhance the use of technology in education through faculty development, funding and change management.

OBJECTIVE: This article provides an overview of how trainees, faculty, and institutions use technology for acquiring knowledge, skills, and attitudes for practicing modern medicine. METHOD: The authors reviewed the literature on medical education, technology, and change, and identify the key themes and make recommendations for implementing technology in medical education. RESULTS: Administrators and faculty should initially assess their own competencies with technology and then develop a variety of teaching methods that use technology to improve their curricula. Programs should decrease the general knowledge-based content of curricula and increase the use of technology for learning skills. For programs to be successful, they must address faculty development, change management, and funding. CONCLUSIONS: Willingness for change, collaboration, and leadership at all levels are essential factors for successfully implementing technology.

E-Learning systems: promises and pitfalls.

OBJECTIVE: This review examines the use of e-learning systems in psychiatric education. METHOD: The authors review the Instructional System Design process, focusing on ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). The authors also report on two representative teaching projects, discussing the planning, work, and assessment required. RESULTS: The basic operations of these education software systems are relatively easy to learn. The real work is the project preparation which precedes software use and final implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Internet-based learning software is another tool in the educator's armamentarium. Educators must still utilize sound educational pedagogy to create effective learning instruments.

APA Summit on Medical Student Education Task Force on Informatics and Technology: learning about computers and applying computer technology to education and practice.

OBJECTIVE: This article provides a brief overview of important issues for educators regarding medical education and technology. METHODS: The literature describes key concepts, prototypical technology tools, and model programs. A work group of psychiatric educators was convened three times by phone conference to discuss the literature. Findings were presented to and input was received from the 2005 Summit on Medical Student Education by APA and the American Directors of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry. RESULTS: Knowledge of, skills in, and attitudes toward medical informatics are important to life-long learning and modern medical practice. A needs assessment is a starting place, since student, faculty, institution, and societal factors bear consideration. Technology needs to "fit" into a curriculum in order to facilitate learning and teaching. CONCLUSION: Learning about computers and applying computer technology to education and clinical care are key steps in computer literacy for physicians.

Suicide: a focus on primary care.

The judgment of the primary care physician is critical in preventing suicide since most mental health care is provided by a primary care doctor. This article will briefly discuss the epidemiology of suicide, then turn to the pragmatic assessment of suicide in the primary care office and treatment issues in patients with elevated suicide risk. Special attention is paid to the risk of suicide with antidepressants because of the recent publicity and the concerns many practitioners have expressed.