A national database should be created to track teaching methods and behavioral and social science curricula at medical schools, according to a report from the Institute of Medicine. The report also recommends better preparing doctors to take into account behavioral and social factors in patient care, AHA News reports (AHA News, 3/24).
According to the report "existing databases provide inadequate information on behavioral and social science curriculum content, teaching techniques and assessment methodologies in U.S. medical schools." The Association of American Medical Colleges database, which is currently the most comprehensive tool available, is voluntary-only 67 medical schools have entered course titles related to behavioral and social sciences. Additionally, schools submit data to the system differently, so the format and timeliness of the information varies across the system.
The report recommends modifying the AAMC's database or creating a new one for behavioral and social science instruction. The AAMC, with the help of relevant professional organizations, should develop and operate the system. Such a database would be a "significant benefit to individual medical schools, credentialing bodies, government agencies and professional organizations," the report states (Improving Medical Education: Enhancing the Behavioral and Social Science Content of Medical School Curricula," 3/24).