Improving patient care in a changing environment: a teaching case

In previous articles in this issue, other authors have detailed many issues regarding how to improve care for a geriatric population. However, those analyses were done based on survey data that are often difficult to translate into the setting of an actual practice. This article presents a case study of Bob Collins, MD, a practicing geriatrician whose life is altered dramatically as external pressures from the health care system force him to make changes in his practice. It concludes with an analysis of how Dr. Collins could improve his practice life and the care he delivers by considering the perspectives of his patients, his coworkers, and his organization.