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Biomedical subjects

P E Reeve

Publications and source records attributed to P E Reeve.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

Selecting anaesthetists: the use of psychological tests and structured interviews.

To test the predictive validity of a selection system for Senior House Officers (SHOs) and registrars in anaesthetics, 140 doctors short-listed from 635 applications between 1980 and 1987 were assessed by a semi-structured interview assessed and a personality questionnaire (Cattell 16PFQ-form C). The 62 doctors selected were followed up for between 3 and 8 years. Future performance was predicted from the psychological tests and by the interviewers. Academic, clinical, behavioural, and overall performance were used as criteria of outcome. Correlation coefficients between prediction and outcome measures were statistically highly significant (P < 0.01). Using multiple regression, equations could be derived from five of the Cattell personality factors to predict overall performance. Personality measures discriminated significantly between the best and poorest performers. Interview predictions were also statistically significant (P < 0.01). The method provides a blueprint for the effective selection of junior anaesthetists. Wastage in terms of those leaving the specialty was 16%.

Anesthesiology

A clinical study of the Brånemark dental implant system.

A clinical study using the Brånemark dental implant system was carried out on 13 patients aged 41 to 68 years. Clinical and psychological effects of treatment were assessed at 6-monthly intervals over a period of 3 years by means of a clinical examination, a personality assessment using Cattell's 16 PF Questionnaire and a general subjective questionnaire. Six per cent of implants failed to osseointegrate. Fifty per cent of bridges became loose, but remained stable after retightening. A similar percentage of fractures occurred, mainly teeth separating from acrylic gumwork. There was some soreness of peri-implant mucosa, particularly on cleaning. Despite these problems, there was considerable evidence of improved well-being of patients, who felt more secure following treatment and, as a result, their personal and social relationships improved.

Adult

The role of personality in the management of partial dentures.

A sample of fifty-three partially dentate subjects who had had partial dentures provided in the last 3 years completed a personality questionnaire (Cattell's 16 PFQ). At the same time they completed a clinical questionnaire and were examined by two of the authors. The purpose of this was to assess the patients' satisfaction with their partial dentures. The results of the personality questionnaire showed that this group of partial denture wearers differed from the general population on only two factors. They were less intelligent and more self-sufficient. Interestingly they differed from a similar group of complete denture wearers on a further three factors. The partial denture group were more self-assured, self-sufficient and more relaxed. On the basis of the clinical questionnaire and examination, five partially dentate patients were found to be dissatisfied. Their personality scores were significantly more unstable than the satisfied group of partial denture wearers. Although based on a relatively small group, the results do suggest that personality may have a marked effect on the patients' adaption to partial dentures. When compared to a similar group of edentulous patients, marked differences were found, suggesting that the loss of the natural teeth in some individuals affects behaviour.

Adolescent

An exploration of the attitudes, personality and performance of dental students.

This study investigates (1) the behavioural patterns, performance and attitudes to dentistry and (2) the personality traits, in male and female dental students (n = 219) studying at Cardiff Dental School. The first part deals with the results of a questionnaire investigating aspects of the students' training course, interests in various fields of dentistry, the level of frustration, anxiety and fatigue felt, the overall feelings of satisfaction and dissatisfaction produced in their dental course, their reasons for entering dentistry and their hopes for a future career, as well as their various leisure and spare-time activities. The second part examines the personality traits of clinical stage students (n = 123) based on Cattell's personality questionnaire, the 16 PFQ form C. The results were correlated with students' 'A' level grades, interview grades, clinical examination results and responses to some items of the general questionnaire. It was possible to identify certain characteristics in dental students which implied likely success in their dental examinations. This may have a useful implication for the initial selection of those wishing to practise dentistry.

Attitude of Health Personnel

Personality characteristics of a sample of anaesthetists.

No published information on the personality characteristics of a significant proportion of any specialty of the medical profession has been available to date. The author presents the results from the application of a personality questionnaire (Cattell's 16 PF Form C) to sample of anaesthetists (n = 231). These show that this sample of anaesthetists differs from the general population in a number of dimensions. They are more reserved, intelligent, assertive, serious, conscientious, self-sufficient and tense and less socially bold and self-assured. They also differ from a sample of general practitioners. Within the sample of anaesthetists, there are significant differences on a cluster of factors relating to stability. Evidence is quoted, from part of the sample, of a significant relationship between personality profiles and behaviour and performance. The author puts forward a descriptive picture of the 'good' anaesthetists and the obverse and the possible implications for the assessment and selection of applicants for this shortage specialty.

Adult

Selecting for specialist training: 2.

Most specialist training posts are filled after short-listing and interview by an ad hoc group representing various interests who never work together as a team. They are rarely required to predict the outcome and receive no feedback on their success. Structuring and planning the interview, training the interviewers, limiting their number and the acquisition of interpersonal skills can improve performance and outcome.

Decision Making, Organizational

Selecting for specialist training: 1.

Selection for specialist training posts is handled in an amateurish way by the NHS. To a considerable extent, future specialists select themselves, but often without sound reasoning. Few specialties have studied what, if any, characteristics are essential or desirable and so are unable to generate either a proper job specification or person specification. These are essential for success when selecting by interview.

Education, Medical