Support services for family practice residents.

BACKGROUND

Internship and residency are stressful experiences for physicians in training. Residency programs vary in their provision of supportive services for residents.

METHODS

A random sample of 50% of the nation's family practice residency programs was surveyed to determine the prevalence of 19 support services, 10 of which were assessed a decade previously. Programs were also asked about on-call frequency, vacation benefits, and program size.

RESULTS

Approximately 91% of the programs responded. The surveys indicated that residents were on call an average of once every four nights, a 10% decrease from a decade ago. The prevalence of three support services had increased over the last decade: seminars and speakers on the stresses and conflicts of being a physician, support groups for residents, and child care services. "Night-float" rotations and part-time residencies are the least offered support services of those studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Support for family practice residents is increasing, yet in many cases remains inadequate.