A survey of the structure and function of pediatric continuity clinics.

Continuity clinic is a mandated part of all accredited pediatric residency programs, yet there are minimal guidelines regarding structure and function. In 1988, we surveyed 101 residency programs, asking them to describe their continuity clinic experience. Eighty-seven residency programs (86%) responded to the 40-item questionnaire. The results showed clinics to be similar in many aspects, with consistent emphasis on developmental issues and anticipatory guidance. Areas of concern included lack of monitoring of the patient panel (31% did not monitor), excess care for chronic diseases or handicapping conditions (mean, 22% of patients), and lack of training in telephone advice (43% provided no such training).