title: A suitable case for Technik: behavioural science in the postgraduate medical curriculum.
abstract: The role of the behavioural and social sciences in the postgraduate medical curriculum is considered. It is argued that the behavioural and social sciences can play a vigorous and dynamic part both in medical education and in medical practice. However, in order for that role to be achieved a Technik approach must be adopted. Technik means an emphasis on know-how, capability and on unifying theory and practice. It is suggested that the behavioural sciences frequently fail to excite interest because they adopt only a humanistic and/or critical approach at the expense of the needs of medical training. Some examples of a Technik approach drawn from health education, the management of chronic disease and surgical audit are briefly examined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, University of Glasgow.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D001525:Behavioral Sciences / Q000193:education*; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations