ATTITUDES OF MEDICAL INTERNS TOWARDS THE PRACTICE OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

BACKGROUND: Training in different specialties should prepare young physicians to assume responsibilities in primary care. Training for the acquisition of the proper attitude for health care, should be given in the course of the training in different specialties. OBJECTIVE: To assess the attitudes of medical interns who have undergone rotation in the Department of Family and Community Medicine of a large university hospital, towards the provision of primary care. METHODS: A cross-sectional study incorporating a structured questionnaire was carried out on a sample of 106 interns; and 20 consultants were selected as a reference group. RESULTS: All medical interns almost unanimously endorsed continuous, coordinated, accessible and comprehensive care. In contrast, consultants less often supported the provision of such care for their own patients. CONCLUSIONS: Unless consultants change their attitudes towards the attributes of primary care, the quality of patient care as well as physician training would suffer.