Final answer:
Special studies in healthcare are designed to both provide feedback to improve patient care and set performance benchmarks through evaluation of clinical practices and patient interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Special studies in the context of healthcare are designed to fulfill multiple objectives. Notably, they are conducted to provide feedback to improve patient care and to set performance benchmarks. Such studies can involve practices like Theatre in Health Education, which help medical professionals develop a more empathic bedside manner and improve patient interactions. Evaluative studies such as these often involve observations and analysis of implemented programs or interventions in different settings to assess effectiveness and usefulness. The outcomes of this research can then inform decision-making processes and the enhancement of health education initiatives.
As an example, in a standardized patient program where professional actors simulate patient scenarios, medical students or doctors receive feedback that aids in refining their clinical and communication skills. This feedback loop, in addition to performance data, helps healthcare providers achieve higher standards in patient care and measure improvements over time.