A survey of the structure and function of pediatric continuity clinics
M. S. Barratt and R. R. Tanz
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Ill.
Continuity clinic is a mandated part of all accredited pediatric residency
programs, yet there are minimal guidelines regarding structure and
function. In 1988, we surveyed 101 residency programs, asking them to
describe their continuity clinic experience. Eighty-seven residency
programs (86%) responded to the 40-item questionnaire. The results showed
clinics to be similar in many aspects, with consistent emphasis on
developmental issues and anticipatory guidance. Areas of concern included
lack of monitoring of the patient panel (31% did not monitor), excess care
for chronic diseases or handicapping conditions (mean, 22% of patients),
and lack of training in telephone advice (43% provided no such training).
