Family physicians and geriatrics: practice experience, age and attitudes.

A study of 180 family physicians and residents was conducted to identify their experience and attitudes towards the elderly. Older physicians had more patients over 65 than younger physicians. Geriatric patients were found dissatisfying by more residents than family physicians. The most frequently mentioned problems in treating the aged were: communication, inadequate medical education, insufficient time. Residents perceived a need for a geriatrician more often than did family physicians. The data do not support the theory that physician pessimism is related to age or experience. Improved educational experience at all levels of training should prevent therapeutic pessimism.