[Attitude of pediatric residents toward their primary care training]

To analyse the attitudes of Pediatrics interns to their Primary Care training by comparing it to their preferences and professional expectations.

Descriptive study using a questionnaire sent out by post. SITE. Those hospitals in the Valencian Community with Pediatrics interns.

All the Pediatrics interns (n = 87) in the Valencian Community who were being trained in 1991.

72 interns (82.7%) answered the questionnaire. Only three interns (4.2%) considered it essential to carry through the placements set out in the Primary Care Programme within the specialist course; and 46 (63.9%) considered it useful. The proposed period of these placements (6 months) was considered far too long by 28 interns (38.6%). Ten (13.9%) thought it should be dropped altogether.

Pediatrics interns still only show scant interest in doing part of their training in Health Centres or in subsequently working in Primary Care. Nevertheless there is some encouragement in that it is the fourth-year doctors who show greater interest both in training and working in Primary Care. Even so, we considered this training is essential for doctors to acquire the specific knowledge, techniques, attitudes and skills required in Primary Care; especially as a high percentage think, as is the reality of the situation, that they are going to be working in Primary Care on finishing their specialist training.