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The care of elderly patients by elderly physicians
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Physician age impacts elderly patient care. Older doctors spend more time with elderly patients, offering general exams and counseling, but less on specific screenings and follow-up for the very old.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Medical Practice Analysis
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Understanding the nuances of care delivery for elderly patients is crucial for optimizing health outcomes.
- Physician demographics, including age, may influence practice patterns and patient care content.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how the age of physicians (≥65 years) affects the content of care provided to elderly patients.
- To compare the care practices of older physicians with those of younger physicians (35-54 years) when treating elderly patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the 1981 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.
- Comparison of care content, time spent per visit, and specific examination/counseling practices between elderly and younger physicians treating elderly patients.
Main Results:
- Elderly physicians dedicated a greater proportion of their practice to elderly patients.
- Compared to younger physicians, elderly physicians spent more time per visit, were more likely to perform general examinations and counseling.
- Elderly physicians were less likely to conduct mental status/vision exams and provided less telephone follow-up for patients ≥75 years.
Conclusions:
- The age of a physician is associated with significant differences in the content of care provided to elderly patients.
- Practice patterns vary, with older physicians potentially offering more comprehensive general care but less specialized follow-up for the oldest elderly patients.