Thoughts of Family Medicine Residents in Elderly Health Rotation: A Qualitative Research

Abstract

Aim: The care of the elderly becomes more important in the daily practice of family physicians as the elderly population increases. Their needs should be well known, properly assessed, and managed. “Elderly health” training during residency is a rising issue in Turkey, and a rotation is planned for residents in a Dokuz Eylül University Hospital.
 By revealing the residents' opinions regarding the elderly health rotation, our study aimed to identify the areas that could be improved. 
 Methods: The qualitative study included the first 12 residents who had the elderly health rotation. Semi-structured in-depth interviews and descriptive analysis were performed.
 Results: The healthcare approach of family medicine residents to a growing and often complex group of older adults is a skill that must be acquired during residency training. The views of family medicine residents about this rotation were revealed. Main themes include the following: 1) opportunities in the educational process in the elderly health rotation, 2) challenges and constraints experienced in the educational process, 3) recommendations regarding the educational process, 4) tutorial characteristics, and 5) content and structuring of education.
 Conclusions: Efficient training programs for residents about the elderly’s health needs in family medicine residency with interdisciplinary collaboration will make great contributions to improve their quality of life. Further studies are necessary for residents’ perceptions and demands.