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A longitudinal community-based underserved care elective for family practice residents
Janet M Eddy1, Ronald H Labuguen
1Department of Family Practice, Virginia Commonwealth University, Mechanicsville 23116, USA.
Family Medicine
|September 25, 2002
Summary
This study introduces a novel 2-year elective for family practice residents, enhancing patient care for underserved populations in community clinics. The program successfully provided over 2,700 visits to uninsured patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Community Health
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Residency programs often lack exposure to underserved populations.
- Continuity of care is crucial for effective patient management.
- Community-based clinics serve vital roles in healthcare access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a unique longitudinal elective for family practice residents.
- To evaluate the impact of community-based care on underserved patients.
- To assess benefits for residents and the community.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year longitudinal elective was implemented in community-based clinics.
- Residents provided care to underserved and uninsured patients.
- Care supplemented existing residency patient care.
Main Results:
- Over 3 years, 13 residents provided ~2,700 office visits.
- The program facilitated longitudinal patient care in two settings.
- Benefits were observed for residents and the community.
Conclusions:
- This elective offers a model for training residents in community-based underserved care.
- Programs near underserved clinics can replicate this model.
- Longitudinal care in diverse settings improves resident training and patient outcomes.