Description of a combined internal medicine-pediatrics continuity clinic for combined program residents

We sought to examine the ambulatory experience in our medicine-pediatrics clinic.

Data on patient visits were abstracted from the hospital's clinic utilization summary and charge sheets. A survey assessed resident satisfaction.

Residents saw 63% adult and 37% pediatric patients, with an average of 3.5 patients per clinic. There was no significant difference in the mean number of patients seen by residents when compared by postgraduate year. Half of all visits were coded for 2 or more diagnoses. Hypertension and diabetes were the most common adult diagnoses, and well-child care and asthma were the most common pediatric diagnoses. Residents were satisfied with the clinic.

The adult and pediatric patient visits were well balanced, with broad complexity. Residents rated their satisfaction with the clinic highly. Our experience may provide valuable information to programs that have a med-peds clinic or are considering creating one.