50. WHY NOT GERIATRICS? TRAINEE INTEREST IN AND BELIEFS ABOUT WORKING WITH OLDER ADULTS

Introduction

The global population of older adults is rapidly increasing, yet there is a persistent shortage of healthcare professionals trained to address their unique and growing care needs. A contributing factor to this gap is the relative lack of popularity of geriatrics as a specialty among trainees. This study explores the attitudes of resident physicians and pharmacy students towards pursuing careers in geriatrics through two qualitative analyses.

Methods

Eight resident physicians specializing in family medicine, internal medicine, and psychiatry participated in focus groups at a single training site in North Carolina. Discussions were moderated by a research associate, without affiliation to a specific medical field, using five open-ended questions, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for recurring themes.

Additionally, two virtual focus groups were conducted with second- and third-year pharmacy students from a public school of pharmacy in North Carolina. A moderator guided discussions through 13 questions addressing career aspirations, factors influencing interest or disinterest in geriatrics, and general attitudes toward older adults. Transcripts were systematically coded and analyzed to identify common themes.

Results

Among the resident physician focus groups, the key factors fostering interest in geriatrics included: (1) the opportunity to build deep connections with patients, (2) personal fulfillment from focusing on quality of life and dignity at end-of-life care, and (3) the diverse practice settings available.

Conversely, barriers included: (1) inadequate resources and support for the geriatric population, (2) emotional and cognitive challenges related to complex care needs, (3) perceived undervaluation of geriatrics within medicine and (4) lower financial compensation.

For the pharmacy students, factors encouraging interest comprised: (1) job security, (2) alignment with preferred clinical activities, (3) exposure to higher clinical acuity, (4) meaningful relationships with older adults, and (5) positive prior experiences with older adults.

Deterrents included: (1) heightened professional liability, (2) negative past experiences, (3) insufficient geriatric exposure, and (4) communication challenges with older adults.

Conclusions

Both resident physicians and pharmacy students highlighted the significance of forming meaningful relationships with patients as a primary motivator for interest in geriatrics. These findings provide a foundation for addressing barriers and enhancing factors that can attract more trainees to the field, thereby mitigating the ongoing shortage of geriatric healthcare professionals.