There's no place like home: evaluating family medicine residents' training in home care.

This study examined residents' experiences in a physician home visit program and their attitudes toward working with older patients in a home setting. In-depth personal interviews were conducted with all second and third year residents in a family medicine residency program (n = 17). Most residents expressed positive attitudes about caring for patients in their homes. Residents said home visits allowed them to provide better care, and enhanced their assessment skills and understanding of community services. We identified a lack of coordination and consistency in several areas, including home visit assessments and the role of physician preceptors. The need for formal training to identify and treat elder abuse was also identified. Participation in a home visit program appears to be an effective learning experience for residents, and helps residents to understand the needs of older people living in the community.