Abstract
Objective
The authors discuss the curricular implications of a research project originally designed to evaluate the instructional strategy of using standardized patients in a psychotherapy training seminar.
Methods
The original project included second-year residents enrolled in an introductory psychotherapy seminar that employed sequential meetings with standardized patients. Residents were videotaped at baseline and at 6 week intervals; these sessions were rated by outside raters, standardized patients, and the residents themselves using two rating scales designed to assess psychotherapy skill. Results of the ratings were used to assess whether the instructional strategy was effective in teaching psychotherapy.
Results
Data were analyzed for group and individual effects. Results of unpaired t tests revealed that as a group resident performance did not improve. Individual effects were examined using regression analysis of individual learning plots. This analysis revealed that residents differed widely in their individual responses to this instructional technique.
Conclusion
These results precipitated a realization about the curriculum. Despite initial disappointment about the apparent limitations of the technique, thoughtful analysis prompted a reinterpretation that led to residency curriculum modification.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.
References
- 1.
Yager J, Mellman L, Rubin E, et al: The RRC mandate for residency programs to demonstrate psychodynamic psychotherapy competency among residents: a debate. Acad Psychiatry 2005; 29: 339–349
- 2.
Ravitz P, Silver I: Advances in psychotherapy education. Can J Psychiatry 2004; 49: 230–237
- 3.
ACGME: ACGME Common Program Requirements in BOLD: Program Requirements for Residency Training in Psychiatry. Available at http://www.acgme.org/acWebsite/downloads/RRC_progReq/400pr1104.pdf
- 4.
Mellman LA, Beresin E: Psychotherapy competencies: development and implementation. Acad Psychiatry 2003; 27: 149–153
- 5.
Beitman B, Yue D: Learning Psychotherapy, 2nd ed. New York, Norton, 2005
- 6.
Horvath AO, Greenberg LS: Development and validation of the working alliance inventory. J Couns Psychol 1989; 36: 223–233
- 7.
Lang F, Harvill L, McCord R, et al: Communication assessment using the Common Ground instrument: psychometric properties. Fam Med 2004; 36: 189–198
- 8.
Coyle B, Miller M, McGowen KR: Using standardized patients to teach and learn psychotherapy. Acad Med 1998; 73: 591–592
- 9.
Klamen DL, Yudkowsky R: Using standardized patients for formative feedback in an introduction to psychotherapy course. Acad Psychiatry 2002; 26: 168–172
- 10.
Swanson DB, Stillman PL: Use of standardized patients for teaching and assessing clinical skills. Eval Health Prof 1990; 13: 79–103
- 11.
Hovarth AO, Bedi RP: The alliance, in Psychotherapy Relationships That Work: Therapist Contributions and Responsiveness to Patients. Edited by Norcross JC. New York, Oxford University Press, 2002
- 12.
Lambert MJ, Barkey DE: Research summary on the therapeutic relationship and psychotherapy outcome, in Psychotherapy Relationships That Work: Therapist Contributions and Responsiveness to Patients. Edited by Norcross JC. New York, Oxford University Press, 2002
- 13.
Prislin MD, Giglio M, Lewis EM, et al: Assessing the acquisition of core clinical skills through the use of serial standardized patient assessments. Acad Med 2000; 75: 480–483
Author information
Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
The authors wish to acknowledge our research assistants Christine L. Newell, M.Ed., Ph.D., and Zachary A. Hammons, B.S., who provided invaluable assistance on this project.
At the time of submission, Drs. McGowen, M. Miller, Floyd, and B. Miller disclosed no competing interests. Dr. Coyle is on the Speakers’ Bureau for Wyeth and AstraZeneca.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
McGowen, K.R., Miller, M.N., Floyd, M. et al. Insights about Psychotherapy Training and Curricular Sequencing: Portal of Discovery. Acad Psychiatry 33, 67–70 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.33.1.67
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
Keywords
- Academic Psychiatry
- Standardize Patient
- Instructional Strategy
- Acad Psychiatry
- Instructional Technique