The socioemotional needs of elderly family practice patients: can social workers help?

This study investigates the psychosocial characteristics of a group of suburban elderly people who were believed to use the relationship with their family physician for reassurance, support, and other socioemotional needs. These patients presented minor complaints, demanded time and attention, and were somewhat frustrating to their doctors. Thirty-four physicians in five New Jersey practice settings assessed elderly patients who visited their offices during a two-year period. Background data were collected on the physicians, and 193 elderly patients were interviewed. Based on pretested criteria, patients were divided into a study and comparison group. When tests were used to analyze the data, the patients with socioemotional concerns were found to be significantly more anxious, more depressed, and more introspective, and they perceived themselves to be sicker than other elderly patients. These findings have implications for the use of social workers in the service of emotionally distressed family practice patients.