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Retraining physicians for primary care. A study of physician perspectives and program development
I Jacoby1, N E Gary, G S Meyer
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Md 20814-4799, USA. ijacoby@usuhs.mil
JAMA
|May 21, 1997
Summary
Few medical schools and managed care organizations offer retraining programs for specialists to practice primary care. Physician interest in retraining remains low, with programs not meeting their preferences.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Health Workforce Policy
- Primary Care Physician Training
Background:
- A perceived shortage of generalist physicians prompted interest in retraining specialists.
- Medical schools and managed care organizations were surveyed regarding retraining initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the availability and nature of retraining programs for physician specialists.
- To understand physician attitudes towards retraining for primary care practice.
Main Methods:
- A 1994 national survey of medical schools and managed care organizations.
- Focus groups with physicians to explore attitudes toward retraining.
- Analysis of physician demand for retraining programs.
Main Results:
- Few retraining programs existed, though many were considered.
- Physicians preferred inexpensive, local, hands-on retraining with expanded patient bases.
- Existing and planned programs often failed to incorporate physician preferences.
Conclusions:
- Physician interest and program availability for retraining specialists into primary care remain low.
- Retraining programs were not designed to attract interested physicians.
- Shifting perceptions of the generalist physician workforce reduced the urgency for retraining.