To portray and understand the primary care office system, we developed practice genograms that describe practice participants and their relationships with each other. Formal organizational structure is evaluated using family systems theory and family of origin genogram techniques. Research implications for the use of the practice genogram include enhanced data gathering, increased understanding of the complexity of practices as adaptive systems, and increased understanding of current and potential approaches to changing practices. Four conferences were broadcast to five remote residency programs, and two local programs received identical conferences on-site. There was no difference in achievement between the two groups, but attitudes toward learning by interactive video declined.
Interactive video is a viable instruction method for achievement.
The negative attitude shift toward interactive video may have been because it was a new experience, or the preparation of the faculty was inadequate. Despite a growing need for family practice to contribute to the national primary care research agenda, the specialty is ill-equipped to assume a more active role. Information about residency programs that are successful in research is a valuable resource for increasing family medicine s research capacity. Virtually unanimous characteristics of successful programs include program director support of research, time for research, faculty involvement, a research curriculum, professional support, and opportunities for presenting research. Programs can expect successful results if they make research a priority, and means are needed for communicating successful strategies between programs.