Training in research methods

on psychiatric care (Sargeant, 1993), which were similar to those from the Schizophrenia Association of Great Britain received by O'Shea.Communication between health professionals and relatives was poor and the relatives felt unsupported and isolated.They were often ig norant of the diagnosis initially and wanted more easy access to hospital beds, although good community management was preferred by rela tives in my sample in contrast to the groups who replied to O'Shea.This difference may reflect difficulties in establishing community facilities before hospital beds are closed.Those relatives I interviewed wished to be involved with the pro fessional multidisciplinary team.Although the relatives were often the primary carers, they were not always informed of decisions that affected them.I agree that medical education needs to take account of the families from which patients come.I wonder whether this is better placed at the postgraduate level and in the continuing education arena than at undergraduate level where the syllabus is already large and expand ing rapidly.If the carers are to be supported the professionals need to support.Medical students will then learn by example.