Extending the extenders. Compromise for the geriatric specialization-manpower debate.
This pilot study reports on issues germane to the geriatric specialization-manpower debate. The study found that a large amount of the functional responsibility required by older adults in an urban clinic setting could be delegated to physician extenders. Other findings included shorter hospitalizations, increased feelings of well-being, and high patient satisfaction with physician extended care. The implications are that rather than develop a new physician specialty, more geriatric manpower needs could be met by delegating responsibility to appropriately trained and supervised physician extenders.
Romeis
J C
JC
Schey
H M
HM
Marion
G S
GS
Keith
J F
JF
D000368:Aged; D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce