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Family physicians and geriatrics: practice experience, age and attitudes
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|February 5, 2011
Summary
Family physicians and residents reported challenges treating elderly patients, including communication and time constraints. Enhanced geriatric education is recommended to improve care and prevent physician pessimism.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Medical Education
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Physician attitudes and experiences with elderly patients are crucial for effective geriatric care.
- Understanding training gaps in geriatrics is essential for improving healthcare for older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the experiences and attitudes of family physicians and residents regarding geriatric patients.
- To identify challenges in treating the elderly and perceived needs for specialized geriatric training.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 180 family physicians and residents.
- Data collection focused on physician experience, attitudes, and perceived problems in geriatric care.
Main Results:
- Older physicians reported a higher volume of geriatric patients.
- Residents expressed more dissatisfaction with geriatric care compared to established physicians.
- Key challenges identified include communication barriers, inadequate medical education, and insufficient time.
- Residents more frequently recognized the need for geriatric specialists.
Conclusions:
- Physician age or experience did not correlate with pessimism towards geriatric patients.
- Enhanced geriatric education at all training levels is vital to foster positive attitudes and prevent therapeutic pessimism.
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