Geriatric Education and Attitudes in Family Medicine Residency

Abstract

This study explored residents' attitudes about working with older patients and their views about geriatric training. Using an established geriatrics attitudes scale, associations between attitudes and residents' age, sex, knowledge of aging, and level of training were examined. Residents' attitudes about caring for older patients and views about geriatric experiences were investigated using data from in-depth personal interviews. Attitudinal scores showed significantly more positive than neutral attitudes; scores of faculty physicians were significantly higher than those of residents. In the interviews, residents expressed positive attitudes about caring for older patients. Findings highlighted the need for additional training in identifying elder abuse and strengthening communication skills for end-of-life discussions. Results also indicated residents would benefit from more exposure to older patients, including those in good health and those who are frail.