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Older patients' consultations in an apprenticeship model‐based general practice training program: A cross‐sectional study
Author(s) -
Bonney Andrew,
Morgan Simon,
Tapley Amanda,
Henderson Kim,
Holliday Elizabeth,
Davey Andrew,
Driel Mieke,
Spike Neil,
Regan Cathy,
Ball Jean,
Magin Parker
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12364
Subject(s) - apprenticeship , cross sectional study , medicine , training (meteorology) , nursing , family medicine , medical education , psychology , philosophy , linguistics , pathology , physics , meteorology
Objective To investigate older patients' encounters with general practice registrars ( GPR s) to inform training and clinical practice. Methods Cross‐sectional analysis of data from GPR consultations across five regional training providers in Australia. Data were analysed using simple and multiple logistic regression models. Results Our analysis included details of 118 831 consultations, 20 555 (17.6%, 95% CI 17.4–17.8) with patients aged ≥65 years. Older patient encounters had an increased likelihood of including chronic disease ( OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.70, 1.86) and more problems ( OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.20, 1.27). However, in‐consultation information or advice was less likely to be sought ( OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88, 0.97), and consultations were briefer ( OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99, 1.00). Conclusion Our results suggest relatively limited GPR exposure to older patients coupled with less complex consultations than expected. Solutions will need to be carefully constructed not only to increase caseloads, but also to address training and supervision concerns.