What factors contribute to senior psychiatry residents' interest in geriatric psychiatry? a Delphi study.

Abstract

To generate hypotheses regarding factors that influence senior psychiatric residents, to consider treating geriatric patients in their future practices. Using the Delphi technique, designed to generate ideas and consensus, we asked psychiatry residents at the University of Toronto who had completed, or were completing, their geriatric rotation about the factors they thought might influence residents in devoting some of their practice to geriatric patients. Residents then rated the degree of influence of these factors which had been synthesized into a questionnaire. Twenty-six items were rated according to their degree of influence. The most influential item was positive clinical experiences with seniors. This was followed closely by supervisor characteristics such as enthusiasm, role modeling, competence, and mentoring. Interest in and comfort with the medical psychiatric and neuropsychiatric nature of the field were also felt to be influential. The factors that influence senior psychiatry resident interest in the practice of geriatric psychiatry are primarily educational and result from exposure to the field under optimal educational circumstances (positive clinical experiences and excellent supervisors). The medical and neuropsychiatric nature of the field also likely exerts a unique influence and should be considered in stimulating interest in this population.