Health Care Providers' Perceptions of the Elderly and Level of Interest in Geriatrics as a Specialty

Health Care Providers' Perceptions of the Elderly and Level of Interest in Geriatrics as a Specialty

Robert Michielutte PhD & Robert A. Diseker DrPH

Pages 65-85 | Published online: 18 Oct 2008

http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/J021v05n02_08

Abstract

This study has examined knowledge of the elderly, as measured by the FOA Quiz, and levels of interest in geriatrics for samples of health care students and practitioners in North Carolina. Groups studied included medical students, physician's assistant students, practicing physician's assistants, family physicians, family practice residents, and dentists. Results of the study indicated (1) a relatively low level of interest in geriatrics as a specialty, with medical students reporting the lowest interest; (2) considerable similarity both between and within groups with respect to overall knowledge and perceptions, and also in terms of specific errors in knowledge; and (3) prior experience with the elderly (before entering school or practice) is positively related to interest in geriatrics for both students and practitioners. Multivariate analyses of other background characteristics identified additional variables predictive of knowledge and interest in geriatrics.

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J021v05n02_08