Supervision of the initial interview. A study of two methods.

Two methods of supervision of the initial evaluation of outpatients by psychiatric residents were compared. In condition 1, residents evaluated patients and then presented the case material to a supervisor in the traditional manner. In condition 2, the supervisor observed the interview directly. Supervisor and residents then independently completed ratings of psychopathology, motivation, insight, and prognosis of the patients. Significant differences in several variables between the two conditions were noted. Resident and supervisor ratings of patients were in clear agreement when both observed the interview.