Knowledge and attitudes of family practice residents toward geriatric patients

The knowledge and attitudes of family practice residents toward geriatric patients was surveyed in eight residencies. Since geriatric care will, in the future, become a more important aspect of the family physician's practice, it is important to ascertain the knowledge and attitude level of physicians in training concerning their geriatric patients. Three aspects of this study indicate serious deficits in the educational background of these residents: the number and quality of courses offered to them is inadequate; they demonstrate a paucity of knowledge concerning the aged; the residents show a low preference for working with the aged. Clearly, medical education should address these needs and deficits.