PHYSICIAN AND OLDER PATIENT SUPPORT IN THE MEDICAL ENCOUNTER

To understand the meaning and functions of social support in the physi cian-older patient relationship, support must be studied within the me dical encounter. We examine the dimensions, goals, and determinants of physician support to older patients in medical encounters and patient expectations about physician support. Two transcribed cases, taken fr om an empirical investigation of communication between physicians and older patients in initial primary care medical encounters, illustrate the range and variability of physician support behaviors. The concept of patient support to physicians in medical visits is proposed and dis cussed.