Family practice night-call frequency: 1981-1997.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Night call has both service and educational value. This study examined trends in night-call frequency from 1981-1997. Our hypothesis was that night-call frequency is decreasing in family practice residency programs. METHODS: We reviewed the Directory of Family Practice Residency Programs from 1981, 1989, and 1997 and entered into a database information about call frequency from all of the programs in each year. In-house night-call frequency and frequency of home call requiring other trips to the hospital were combined to determine total calls per year. RESULTS: The mean number of total calls for PGY-1 residents was 190, 124, and 104 for each cohort year, respectively (1981, 1989, 1997). PGY-2 total calls were 160, 96, and 74. PGY-3 total calls were 151, 73, and 57. For all years of residency, total calls in 1997 were fewer than for 1981 and 1989. CONCLUSIONS: Family practice residents have less night call now than in 1981 or 1989. The educational consequences of decreasing night call should be evaluated.