How we teach the doctor-patient relationship.

Since the reform of the Italian medical degree in 1988, fourth-year students now study the dynamics of the doctor-patient relationship as part of the compulsory 'methodology of the clinical, therapeutic, prevention and rehabilitation approach' course. This work illustrates a pilot scheme carried out at the Milan University Medical School and begun shortly before the reform of the Italian medical degree. In dealing with the teaching of the doctor-patient relationship, the authors look into a relational-psychological perspective which is supported by notions and instruments intrinsic to medical pedagogy. The work is handled along three main lines: (a) presentation of a relational teaching model and definition of teaching objectives; (b) presentation of the methods and techniques used (role-playing, videotape recordings, video simulation and group work); and (c) discussion on the evaluation criteria.