Utilization by family physicians of support services for elderly patients

Some elucidation of the functioning of the primary care physician in the role as gatekeeper to health and social services for elderly patients is provided by a survey of family practice preceptors. Analysis of knowledge and utilization patterns of 37 types of services by 38 family physicians revealed high utilization of most health services, but there were some gaps for respite, meal site, alert system, and insurance counseling programs. The recommendations of respondents for increasing knowledge and referral coordination could facilitate the access of elderly patients to the needed services.