Expanding the boundaries of primary care for elderly people

This article reports the results of a qualitative evaluation of the General ist Physician Initiative designed to enhance the care of older people provi ded by primary care physicians in nine demonstration projects around the co untry. A theme entitled "Pushing the Comfort Zone" examines activities in w hich physicians engage before collaboration: selecting elderly patients, op ening cans of worms," recognizing patient and family expectations and going outside the comfort zone. A second theme called "Linking with Collaborator s" reveals activities in which physicians engage as they collaborate: teami ng, using intervention agents as eyes and ears, communicating, and tracking patients. Findings indicate that social workers are logical collaborators with primary care physicians as contemporary practice is expanding to be mo re holistic.