Integrating Primary Care Appointments Into Resident Orientation.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Primary Health Care
• Trainee Well-being

Background:

• Resident well-being is a significant institutional concern.
• Many residents experience inadequate access to personal primary care.
• Suboptimal primary care access impacts overall trainee health and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address resident healthcare needs by offering primary care appointments.
• To integrate primary care clinician (PCP) appointments into intern orientation.
• To improve access to essential healthcare services for incoming residents.

Main Methods:

• Incoming residents from 17 specialties were invited to PCP appointments during orientation.
• Appointments were scheduled collaboratively, avoiding conflicts with other activities.
• Surveys were administered to residents and PCPs post-appointment to assess satisfaction and impact.

Main Results:

• 82% of 144 incoming residents participated in the PCP initiative.
• 90% of those desiring an appointment attended, with 52% using it for introductions.
• 72% reported improved self-care and 76% increased health consciousness.

Conclusions:

• Integrating PCP appointments into orientation is a feasible strategy.
• The initiative demonstrated high acceptability among residents in a large academic setting.
• This model effectively addresses primary care access for trainees, enhancing well-being.