Support services for family practice residents
Kahn, N.B.; Addison, R.B.
Journal of Family Practice 34(1): 78-85
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0094-3509 PMID: 1728658 Document Number: 403234
Internship and residency are stressful experiences for physicians in training. Residency programs vary in their provision of supportive services for residents. A random sample of 50% of the nation's family practice residency programs was surveyed to determine the prevalence of 19 support services, 10 of which were assessed a decade previously. Programs were also asked about on-call frequency, vacation benefits, and program size. Approximately 91% of the programs responded. The surveys indicated that residents were on call an average of once every four nights, a 10% decrease from a decade ago. The prevalence of three support services had increased over the last decade: seminars and speakers on the stresses and conflicts of being a physician, support groups for residents, and child care services. "Night-float" rotations and part-time residencies are the least offered support services of those studied. Support for family practice residents is increasing, yet in many cases remains inadequate.