Geriatrics program for medical students and family practice residents. I. Establishing attitudes toward the aged.

This report concerns the initiation of required experience in geriatrics for undergraduate medical students and a program of research designed to evaluate that experience. Through the use of questionnaires, an attempt was made to differentiate between attitudes toward the elderly and their rehabilitation potential as stated by medical students, family practice residents, and professional and nonprofessional nursing-home staff members. Important differences were found between professional and nonprofessional groups, but no significant differences among professionals. Implications for the training of professional and nonprofessional staff members are discussed, and further research plans specified.