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Background The predicted growth of Canadians aged 65+ and the resultant rise in the demand for specialized geriatric services (SGS) requires physician resource planning. We updated the 2011 Canadian Geriatrics Society physician resource inventory and created projections for 2025 and 2030. Methods The number and full-time equivalents (FTEs) of geriatricians and Care of the Elderly (COE) physicians working in SGS were determined. FTE counts for 2025 and 2030 were estimated by accounting for retirements and trainees. A ratio of 1.25/10,000 population 65+ was used to predict physician resource requirements. Results Between 2011 and 2019 the number of geriatricians and COE physicians increased from 276 (235.8 FTEs) and 128 (89.9 FTEs), respectively, to 376 (319.6 FTEs) and 354 (115.5 FTEs). This increase did not keep pace with the 65+ population growth. The current gap between supply and need is expected to increase. Discussion The physician supply gap is projected to widen in 2025 and 2030. Increased recruitment and interdisciplinary team-based care, supported by enhanced funding models, and full integration of COE physicians in SGS could reduce this increasing gap. In contrast to pediatrician supply in Canada, the specialist physician resources available to the population 65+ reflect a disparity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background With Canada's senior population increasing, there is greater demand for family physicians with enhanced skills in Care of the Elderly (COE). The College of Family Physicians Canada (CFPC) has introduced Certificates of Added Competence (CACs), one being in COE. Our objective is to summarize the process used to determine the Priority Topics for the assessment of competence in COE. Methods A modified Delphi technique was used, with online surveys and face-to-face meetings. The Working Group (WG) of six physicians acted as the nominal group, and a larger group of randomly selected practitioners from across Canada acted as the Validation Group (VG). The WG, and then the VG, completed electronic write-in surveys that asked them to identify the Priority Topics. Responses were compiled, coded, and tabulated to identify the topics and to calculate the frequencies of their selection. The WG used face-toface meetings and iterative discussion to decide on the final topic names. Results The correlation between the initial Priority Topic list identified by the VG and that identified by the WG is 0.6793. The final list has 18 Priority Topics. Conclusion Defining the required competencies is a first step to establishing national standards in COE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the current low workforce availability of care of the elderly (COE) physicians, geriatric medicine specialists, and geriatric psychiatrists is undeniable, the ongoing demographic shift means this situation will only worsen. This evolving crisis is outlined clearly in the article "Updated Inventory and Projected Requirements for Specialist Physicians in Geriatrics" by Basu et al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the practice tips of choosing the correct walking aid for patients in Canada. It highlights the general principles found from the author's research and experience working with physiotherapists in geriatric rehabilitation. Moreover, it presented three questions which are said to help family physicians in optimizing their patients' use of canes.

Problem Addressed: Primary care practitioners have unique clinical challenges in caring for elderly patients and require educational courses that are specifically designed for their needs in caring for this patient population., Objective of Program: To improve family physicians' knowledge of and confidence in managing common geriatric problems., Program Description: The accredited course curriculum is delivered on 5 weekends over approximately 6 months.Each weekend focuses on a different theme including cognitive impairment, gait disorders, mental health and pain management, geriatric medical problems, and failure to thrive. Participants complete written assignments between weekend sessions, which involve self-reflection on how the new knowledge and skills gained through the course will be incorporated in the management of elderly patients in their practices., Conclusion: The 5-Weekend Care of the Elderly Certificate Course is an accredited continuing professional development program for primary care practitioners. Preliminary evaluation suggests improvement in participants' self-rated knowledge of and confidence in managing geriatric problems. Qualitative data show positive changes in clinical practice.