How do patients perceive the retirement of their general practitioner? A qualitative interview study in France.

OBJECTIVES: The perspective of general practitioners' (GPs) on retirement and the factors influencing their attitude towards retirement have been previously investigated. However, while the number of GPs has been declining for many years in France, leading to the emergence of medical deserts, the impact on their patients remains to be explored. The aim of this study was to understand patients' perceptions of their GP's retirement. DESIGN: A semistructured interview-based qualitative study was conducted, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. SETTING: Interviews were conducted in two general practices located in Essonne, Ile-de-France, France, between January and April 2014. PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen women and five men, aged 21-94 years, were included in this study. Exclusion criteria were the non-declaration of the physician as the declared doctor and being under 18 years of age. RESULTS: The GP-patient relationship is a link that is built up over time, over the course of several consultations. Patients choose their GP based on qualities or skills they value. In this way, the physician chosen is unique for their patients; this choice reflects a certain loyalty to their physician. The interaction with the family sphere reinforces this relationship through the multiple links created during care. When a GP retires, this link is broken. Patients' reactions can range from indifference to real grief. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the importance of the link between the GPs and their patients and highlights the need to prepare patients for their GP's retirement.

"Trying to write a story together": general practitioners' perspectives on culturally sensitive care.

BACKGROUND: Culturally sensitive care is integral to effective and equitable healthcare delivery, necessitating an understanding and acknowledgment of patients' cultural needs, preferences, and expectations. This study investigates the perceptions of cultural sensitivity among general practitioners (GPs), focusing on their intentions, willingness and perceived responsibilities in providing care tailored to cultural needs. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 Flemish GPs to explore their perspectives on culturally sensitive care. Data analysis followed a conventional qualitative content analysis approach within a constructivist framework. A coding scheme was developed to identify recurring themes and patterns in the GPs' responses. RESULTS: Findings reveal that culturally sensitive care provision is perceived as a multifaceted process, initiated by an exploration phase where GPs inquire about patients' cultural needs and preferences. Two pivotal factors shaping culturally sensitive care emerged: patients' specific cultural expectations and GPs' perceived responsibilities. These factors guided the process of culturally sensitive care towards three distinct outcomes, ranging from complete adaptation to patients' cultural requirements driven by a high sense of responsibility, through negotiation and compromise, to a paternalistic approach where GPs expect patients to conform to GPs' values and expectations. Three typologies of GPs in providing culturally sensitive care were identified: genuinely culturally sensitive, surface-level culturally sensitive, and those perceiving diversity as a threat. Stereotyping and othering persist in healthcare, underscoring the importance of critical consciousness and cultural reflexivity in providing patient-centered and equitable care. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the significance of empathy and underscores the necessity for GPs to embrace the exploration and acknowledgement of patients' preferences and cultural needs as integral aspects of their professional role. It highlights the importance of shared decision-making, critical consciousness, cultural desire and empathy. Understanding these nuances is essential for enhancing culturally sensitive care and mitigating healthcare disparities.

Assessing the job preferences of senior medical students for mandatory service: a discrete choice experiment.

AIM: To investigate the job preferences of senior medical students for mandatory service as general practitioners using discrete choice experiment. INTRODUCTION: Health workforce is directly associated with health service coverage and health outcomes. However, there is a global shortage of healthcare workers (HCWs) in rural areas. Discrete choice experiments can guide the policy and decision-makers to increase recruitment and retention of HCWs in remote and rural areas by determining their job preferences. The aim of this study is to investigate job preferences of senior medical students for mandatory service as general practitioners. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 144 medical students. To estimate students' preferences for different levels of job attributes, a mixed logit model was utilised. Simulations of job uptake rates and willingness to pay (WTP) estimates were computed. FINDINGS: All attributes had an impact on the job preferences of students with the following order of priority: salary, workload, proximity to family/friends, working environment, facility and developmental status. For a normal workload and a workplace closed to family/friends which were the most valued attributes after salary, WTPs were 2818.8 Turkish lira (TRY) ($398.7) and 2287.5 TRY ($323.6), respectively. The preference weights of various job characteristics were modified by gender, the presence of a HCW parent and willingness to perform mandatory service. To recruit young physicians where they are most needed, monetary incentives appear to be the most efficient intervention. Non-pecuniary job characteristics also affected job preferences. Packages of both monetary and non-monetary incentives tailored to individual characteristics would be the most efficient approach.

Norwegian general practitioners' perceptions of their depression care - a national survey.

BACKGROUND: The General Practitioner (GP) is often the first professional contact for patients with depression. Depression care constitutes a substantial part of GPs' workload. OBJECTIVE: To assess how GPs experience their patients' expectations and their own provision of depression care; further, how their depression care was associated with doctor- and practice-characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study about depression care in general practice among the GPs in the Norwegian Physician Survey of 2021. RESULTS: Of the 221 responding GPs, 50% were female and 70% agreed to have constant time pressure due to workload. The GPs believed that patients with depression were interested in their professional assessment (87.2%) and saw them as providers of talking therapy (76,9%). Still, 77,8% of the GPs thought the patients expected a referral. Talking therapy was commonly provided (79.6%) along with consultations of more than 30 min (80.4%). The youngest age group and GPs with shorter patient lists spent more time. Most GPs (92.3%) considered their help to be of great benefit for depressed patients. However, one-fourth of the GPs did not feel competent in providing talking therapy, less frequently reported by the GPs aged 40-54 years. CONCLUSIONS: Talking therapy is commonly provided by GPs. However, there is a need to investigate what GP talking therapy implies, and to strengthen GP skills in this regard. Overall, the GPs experience their depression care to be useful for their patients, and do not de-prioritize this although they experience workload pressure.

They are my worries, so it's me the doctor should listen to-adolescent males' experiences of consultations with general practitioners.

BACKGROUND: Many adolescent males visit a general practitioner regularly, yet many report unmet health needs and negative experiences. This indicates a gap between provided healthcare and the needs of adolescent males. In order to improve adolescent males' possibilities to discuss their health concerns with general practitioners, the study's aim was to explore and describe how adolescent males understand and assign meaning to their experiences of consultations with general practitioners. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted at two healthcare centres in mid-Sweden in 2022. Nine males 15 to 19 years old described their experiences in semi-structured interviews immediately after consulting a general practitioner, regardless of reason for the consultation and whether or not accompanied by a parent. The analysis was guided by thematic analysis according to Braun & Clarke and reflective lifeworld theory's concepts of openness and sensitivity. RESULTS: One overarching theme, To be listened to, and three themes were developed: To handle insecurity and uneasiness, To be understood and cared for, and To get parental support on his terms. In a good appointment, the general practitioner cares about him, listens attentively, and takes him seriously. More importantly, the general practitioner's understanding permeates the consultation, so that all aspects of it is adapted to him. The adolescent males doubted their ability to express themselves and to understand what would happen in the consultation, and therefore feared being dismissed without receiving any help. Such difficulties may be due to unfinished neurocognitive development and inexperience. They struggled with embarrassment, partly due to notions of masculinity, and strived to balance their needs of parental support, privacy, and being the one that the doctor listens to. CONCLUSIONS: We argue that adolescent males are particularly vulnerable due to on-going neurocognitive and emotional development, inexperience, and notions of masculinity. However, good experiences can be generated through rather simple means. Adolescent males need individual adaptations demonstrating that they are cared for, understood and taken seriously. Furthermore, they need an unhurried pace to facilitate understanding, verbal affirmations to mitigate embarrassment, and help in navigating parental involvement.

Perspectives on telehealth implementation in Australia: An exploratory qualitative study with practice managers and general practitioners.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of understanding regarding the impact of telehealth on clinical delivery and the feasibility of sustained implementation by health services. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an ideal opportunity to identify factors related to the implementation of telehealth. This study assessed factors that influenced telehealth implementation during COVID-19 in the Western region of Victoria, Australia, from the perspectives of practice managers and general practitioners (GPs). METHODS: Employing a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 GPs and 11 practice managers across metropolitan and rural settings in the Western region of Victoria, Australia. Interviews were conducted between December 2021 to June 2022, which included periods during and beyond the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Themes were synthesised using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, which comprised five domains: innovation, inner setting, outer setting, individuals and implementation process. An additional domain related to billing and finances was added. RESULTS: The innovation domain revealed that telehealth was identified by both stakeholder groups as a critical tool for improving healthcare access for vulnerable patients. GPs highlighted the role of telehealth in follow-up care and the need for extended telephone consultation services. For the implementation process, both stakeholder groups identified a shift in attitudes among GPs from reluctance to acceptance of telehealth. In terms of outer setting, constant changes in regulations posed challenges to administrative staff. Practice managers faced difficulties in acquiring information on changes, but those with robust professional networks were well supported. Initial loss of incentive funding and government-imposed billing methods posed hurdles for clinics. Both stakeholder groups highlighted the need for education around videoconference and a standardised telehealth platform. CONCLUSION: Evolving telehealth regulations during the emergence of COVID-19 posed financial, operational and administrative challenges to primary care clinics. To ensure sustainability, policymakers should improve stakeholder communication, set interoperability standards, and ensure sustainable funding for telehealth.

Insights from end-of-career general practitioners on changing working conditions and generational differences: considerations for future strategies.

The landscape of general practice has experienced notable transformations in recent decades, profoundly influencing the working conditions of general practitioners (GPs). This study aimed to examine the most salient changes affecting GPs' daily practices. Through semi-structured qualitative interviews with 15 end-of-career GPs, the study explored how these changes affected work organization, equipment, working hours, work-life balance, job satisfaction, training, patient relationships, and reputation. The interviews revealed that these changes were perceived as barriers, opportunities, or a complex interplay of both for general practice. While the interviewed GPs valued technological advancements and reported positive developments in working conditions, challenges included a gradual reduction in the range of tasks, growing administrative burdens, and less practical training for young physicians. Other changes, such as new doctor-patient dynamics, the transition from single to group practice, and differing professional expectations of the younger generation, were seen as both challenging and strengthening for general practice. By combining these factors and trade-offs observed by end-of-career GPs in our study over the past few decades with general societal changes, we provide ideas for the design of future framework conditions in general practice that might enhance the attractiveness of the profession. These insights offer key considerations that can guide future strategies for general practice and medical education.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy, an Ever-Present Topic: A Pilot Survey about Women's Experience and Medical Doctors' Approach.

Background and Objective: Menopause can be associated with many clinical manifestations: vasomotor symptoms, urogenital problems, and additional psychological disturbances, such as anxiety, mood changes, and sleep alterations. The prolonged lack of hormones also increases the risk of long-term consequences. Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT) in menopause consists of the administration of estrogen, alone or associated to progesterone, to relieve these uncomfortable disturbances and to prevent the onset of other pathologic conditions. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of HRT use in a sample of menopausal women and their experience with menopause and HRT. This study also investigates the knowledge of general practitioners (GPs) and gynecologists about HRT and its prescription. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional population survey on 126 women of 50-59 years in an industrial city in the North of Italy, Vercelli (Novara), in Eastern Piedmont. We also presented a questionnaire on the topic to 54 medical doctors (GPs and gynecologists) of the same area. Results: The prevalence of HRT use in our sample was 11.9%. In total, a good percentage of the users affirmed to be satisfied with HRT. Additionally, a minority of women reported being ideally against the use of replacement hormones, were advised against using HRT by doctors, and did not use it because of the fear of side effects. We found a positive association between patient education, health care attitude, and HRT usage. A significant number of women knew about HRT from the media, and most of them were not informed by a health professional. Despite this, the interviewed doctors considered their knowledge about HRT as 'good' and would recommend HRT: only 5.6% would not prescribe it. Conclusions: Our results highlight the need for information about HRT among patients and health professionals, along with the need for more effective communication, evaluation, and suggestion of treatment.

Management of physical and psychological trauma resulting from motor vehicle crashes in Australian general practice: a mixed-methods approach.

BACKGROUND: In Australia, motor vehicle crashes (MVC)-related health data are available from insurance claims and hospitals but not from primary care settings. This study aimed to identify the frequency of MVC-related consultations in Australian general practices, explore the pharmacological management of health conditions related to those crashes, and investigate general practitioners' (GPs) perceived barriers and enablers in managing these patients. METHODS: Mixed-methods study. The quantitative component explored annual MVC-related consultation rates over seven years, the frequency of chronic pain, depression, anxiety or sleep issues after MVC, and management with opioids, antidepressants, anxiolytics or sedatives in a sample of 1,438,864 patients aged 16 + years attending 402 Australian general practices (MedicineInsight). Subsequently, we used content analysis of 81 GPs' qualitative responses to an online survey that included some of our quantitative findings to explore their experiences and attitudes to managing patients after MVC. RESULTS: MVC-related consultation rates remained stable between 2012 and 2018 at around 9.0 per 10,000 consultations. In 2017/2018 compared to their peers, those experiencing a MVC had a higher frequency of chronic pain (48% vs. 26%), depression/anxiety (20% vs. 13%) and sleep issues (7% vs. 4%). In general, medications were prescribed more after MVC. Opioid prescribing was much higher among patients after MVC than their peers, whether they consulted for chronic pain (23.8% 95%CI 21.6;26.0 vs. 15.2%, 95%CI 14.5;15.8 in 2017/2018, respectively) or not (15.8%, 95%CI 13.9;17.6 vs. 6.7%, 95% CI 6.4;7.0 in 2017/2018). Qualitative analyses identified a lack of guidelines, local referral pathways and decision frameworks as critical barriers for GPs to manage patients after MVC. GPs also expressed interest in having better access to management tools for specific MVC-related consequences (e.g., whiplash/seatbelt injuries, acute/chronic pain management, mental health issues). CONCLUSION: Chronic pain, mental health issues and the prescription of opioids were more frequent among patients experiencing MVC. This reinforces the relevance of appropriate management to limit the physical and psychological impact of MVC. GPs identified a lack of available resources (e.g. education, checklists and management support tools) for managing MVC-related consequences, and the need for local referral pathways and specific guidelines to escalate treatments.

Southern Queensland general practitioners' knowledge and attitudes towards Q fever and behaviours in the management of the disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Q fever (QF) is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, often associated with abattoir workers and farmers. Recent analysis suggests that QF might occur more frequently in urban areas. This study ascertains the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, QF and behaviours in the management of QF among general practitioners (GPs) across rural and urban areas. METHOD: This cross-sectional survey study targeted GPs working in regional Queensland. GPs were asked to complete a 59-item questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to compare respondent demographics with attitude ratings and knowledge scores. RESULTS: Diagnosing a patient with QF was significantly related to practitioner age, years in practice and practising in a rural area. DISCUSSION: This study shows gaps in GP QF knowledge, particularly around QF management. With increased urbanisation of rural areas potentially leading to increases in acute QF cases, GPs need to improve their knowledge of this disease.

Factors influencing referral to maternity models of care in Australian general practice.

BACKGROUND: In the Australian maternity system, general practitioners play a vital role in advising and directing prospective parents to maternity models of care. Optimising model of care discussions and the decision-making process avoids misaligning women with over or under specialised care, reduces the potential for disruptive care transitions and unnecessary healthcare costs, and is critical in ensuring consumer satisfaction. Current literature overwhelmingly focusses on women's decision-making around model of care discussions and neglects the gatekeeping role of the General Practitioner (GP). This study aimed to explore and describe the factors influencing Australian GPs decision-making when referring pregnant women to maternity models of care. METHODS: This study used a qualitative descriptive approach. General practitioners (N = 12) with experience referring women to maternity models of care in Australia participated in a semi-structured interview. Interviews occurred between October and November 2021 by telephone or videoconference. Reflexive thematic analysis was facilitated by NVivo-12 data management software to codify and interpret themes from the data. FINDINGS: Two broad themes were interpreted from the data. The first theme entitled 'GP Factors', incorporated three associated sub-themes including '1) GPs Previous Model of Care Experience', '2) Gaps in GP Knowledge' and '3) GP Perception of Models of Care'. The second theme, entitled 'Woman's Factors', encapsulated two associated sub-themes including the '4) Woman's Preferences' and '5) Access to Models'. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel evidence regarding general practitioner perspectives of the factors influencing model of care decision-making and referral. Predominant findings suggest that gaps in GP knowledge regarding the available models of care are present and are largely informed by prior personal and professional experience. Most GPs described referring to models of care they perceive positively and centring their model of care discussions on the woman's preferences and accessibility. The exploration and description of factors influencing model of care decisions provide unique insight into the ways that all stakeholders can experience access to a broader range of models of care including midwifery-led continuity of care models aligned with consumer-demand. In addition, the role of national primary health networks is outlined as a means to achieving this.

Advancing integrated paediatric care in Australian general practices: Qualitative insights from the SC4C GP-paediatrician model of care.

The Strengthening Care for Children (SC4C) is a general practitioner (GP)-paediatrician integrated model of care that consists of co-consulting sessions and case discussions in the general practice setting, with email and telephone support provided by paediatricians to GPs during weekdays. This model was implemented in 21 general practices in Australia (11 Victoria and 10 New South Wales). Our study aimed to identify the factors moderating the implementation of SC4C from the perspectives of GPs, general practice personnel, paediatricians and families. We conducted a qualitative study as part of the mixed-methods implementation evaluation of the SC4C trial. We collected data through virtual and in-person focus groups at the general practices and phone, virtual and in-person interviews. Data was analysed using an iterative hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis. Twenty-one focus groups and thirty-seven interviews were conducted. Overall, participants found SC4C acceptable and suitable for general practices, with GPs willing to learn and expand their paediatric care role. GPs cited improved confidence and knowledge due to the model. Paediatricians reported an enhanced understanding of the general practice context and the strain under which GPs work. GPs and paediatricians reported that this model allowed them to build trust-based relationships with a common goal of improving care for children. Additionally, they felt some aspects, including the lack of remuneration and the work and effort required to deliver the model, need to be considered for the long-term success of the model. Families expressed their satisfaction with the shared knowledge and quality of care jointly delivered by GPs and paediatricians and highlighted that this model of care provides easy access to specialty services without out-of-pocket costs. Future research should focus on finding strategies to ensure the long-term Implementation of this model of care with a particular focus on the individual stressors in general practices.

The hidden work of general practitioners: An ethnography.

High quality primary care is a foundational element of effective health services. Internationally, primary care physicians (general practitioners (GPs), family doctors) are experiencing significant workload pressures. How non-patient-facing work contributes to these pressures and what constitutes this work is poorly understood and often unrecognised and undervalued by patients, policy makers, and even clinicians engaged in it. This paper examines non-patient-facing work ethnographically, informed by practice theory, the Listening Guide, and empirical ethics. Ethnographic observations (104 h), in-depth interviews (n = 16; 8 with GPs and 8 with other primary care staff) and reflexive workshops were conducted in two general practices in England. Our analysis shows that 'hidden work' was integral to direct patient care, involving diverse clinical practices such as: interpreting test results; crafting referrals; and accepting interruptions from clinical colleagues. We suggest the term 'hidden care work' more accurately reflects the care-ful nature of this work, which was laden with ambiguity and clinical uncertainty. Completing hidden care work outside of expected working hours was normalised, creating feelings of inefficiency, and exacerbating workload pressure. Pushing tasks forward into an imagined future (when conditions might allow its completion) commonly led to overspill into GPs' own time. GPs experienced tension between their desire to provide safe, continuous, 'caring' care and the desire to work a manageable day, in a context of increasing demand and burgeoning complexity.

Exploring the perceptions and experiences of community rehabilitation for Long COVID from the perspectives of Scottish general practitioners' and people living with Long COVID: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the experience of accessing Long COVID community rehabilitation from the perspectives of people with Long COVID and general practitioners (GPs). DESIGN: Qualitative descriptive study employing one-to-one semistructured virtual interviews analysed using the framework method. SETTING: Four National Health Service Scotland territorial health boards. PARTICIPANTS: 11 people with Long COVID (1 male, 10 female; aged 40-65 (mean 53) and 13 GPs (5 male, 8 female). RESULTS: Four key themes were identified: (1) The lived experience of Long COVID, describing the negative impact of Long COVID on participants' health and quality of life; (2) The challenges of an emergent and complex chronic condition, including uncertainties related to diagnosis and management; (3) Systemic challenges for Long COVID service delivery, including lack of clear pathways for access and referral, siloed services, limited resource and a perceived lack of holistic care, and (4) Perceptions and experiences of Long COVID and its management, including rehabilitation. In this theme, a lack of knowledge by GPs and people with Long COVID on the potential role of community rehabilitation for Long COVID was identified. Having prior knowledge of rehabilitation or being a healthcare professional appeared to facilitate access to community rehabilitation. Finally, people with Long COVID who had received rehabilitation had generally found it beneficial. CONCLUSIONS: There are several patient, GP and service-level barriers to accessing community rehabilitation for Long COVID. There is a need for greater understanding by the public, GPs and other potential referrers of the role of community rehabilitation professionals in the management of Long COVID. There is also a need for community rehabilitation services to be well promoted and accessible to the people with Long COVID for whom they may be appropriate. The findings of this study can be used by those (re)designing community rehabilitation services for people with Long COVID.

"I do not know the advantages of having a general practitioner" - a qualitative study exploring the views of low-acuity emergency patients without a regular general practitioner toward primary care.

BACKGROUND: Emergency departments (ED) worldwide have to cope with rising patient numbers. Low-acuity consulters who could receive a more suitable treatment in primary care (PC) increase caseloads, and lack of PC attachment has been discussed as a determinant. This qualitative study explores factors that contribute to non-utilization of general practitioner (GP) care among patients with no current attachment to a GP. METHOD: Qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 32 low-acuity ED consulters with no self-reported attachment to a GP. Participants were recruited from three EDs in the city center of Berlin, Germany. Data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Interviewed patients reported heterogeneous factors contributing to their PC utilization behavior and underlying views and experiences. Participants most prominently voiced a rare need for medical services, a distinct mobility behavior, and a lack of knowledge about the role of a GP and health care options. Views about and experiences with GP care that contribute to non-utilization were predominantly related to little confidence in GP care, preference for directly consulting medical specialists, and negative experiences with GP care in the past. Contrasting their reported utilization behavior, many interviewees still recognized the advantages of GP care continuity. CONCLUSION: Understanding reasons of low-acuity ED patients for GP non-utilization can play an important role in the design and implementation of patient-centered care interventions for PC integration. Increasing GP utilization, continuity of care and health literacy might have positive effects on patient decision-making in acute situations and in turn decrease ED burden. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00023480; date: 2020/11/27.

Drivers of district-level differences in outpatient antibiotic prescribing in Germany: a qualitative study with prescribers.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified substantial regional variations in outpatient antibiotic prescribing in Germany, both in the paediatric and adult population. This indicates inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in some regions, which should be avoided to reduce antimicrobial resistance and potential side effects. The reasons for regional variations in outpatient antibiotic prescribing are not yet completely understood; socioeconomic and health care density differences between regions do not fully explain such differences. Here, we apply a behavioural perspective by adapting the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to examine regional factors deemed relevant for outpatient antibiotic prescriptions by paediatricians and general practitioners. METHODS: Qualitative study with guideline-based telephone interviews of 40 prescribers (paediatricians and general practitioners) in outpatient settings from regions with high and low rates of antibiotic prescriptions, stratified by urbanity. TDF domains formed the basis of an interview guide to assess region-level resources and barriers to rational antibiotic prescription behaviour. Interviews lasted 30-61 min (M = 45 min). Thematic analysis was used to identify thematic clusters, and relationships between themes were explored through proximity estimation. RESULTS: Both paediatricians and general practitioners in low-prescribing regions reported supporting contextual factors (in particular good collegial networks, good collaboration with laboratories) and social factors (collegial support and low patient demand for antibiotics) as important resources. In high-prescribing regions, poor coordination between in-patient and ambulatory health services, lack of region-level information on antimicrobial resistance, few professional development opportunities, and regional variations in patient expectations were identified as barriers to rational prescribing behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions targeting professional development, better collaboration structures with laboratories and clearer and user-friendly guidelines could potentially support rational antibiotic prescribing behaviour. In addition, better networking and social support among physicians could support lower prescription rates.

Policy perception, job satisfaction and intentions to remain in rural area: evidence from the National Compulsory Service Programme in China.

BACKGROUND: Exploring factors that may influence general practitioners (GPs)' intentions to remain in rural area is necessary to inform the training and placement of future medical workforce in rural area. However, little is known about how GPs' perception towards the National Compulsory Service Programme (NCSP) and job satisfaction impact their turnover intention. This paper explores GPs' intentions to remain in rural China and how their policy perception and job satisfaction predict the intentions. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, online survey from December 2021 to February 2022 to investigate GPs' perception towards NCSP, job satisfaction, and intentions to remain in rural area. Eligible participants were GPs who were required to provide health services as part of NCSP at township health centres of 9 provinces which could represent all NCSP GPs in China. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between policy perceptions, job satisfaction, and intentions to remain. RESULTS: Of 3615 GPs included in the analysis, 442 (12.2%) would like to remain in rural area and 1266 (35.0%) were unsure. Results of the multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that compared with GPs who would leave, GPs with higher perception scores for the restriction on taking postgraduate exam (RRR: 1.93, 95% CI 1.72, 2.16) and the commitment to work for six years (RRR: 1.53, 95% CI 1.31, 1.78) were more likely to remain. In contrast, GPs who had higher perception scores for completing standardised residency training (RRR: 0.75, 95% CI 0.64, 0.88) and passing National Medical Licensing Examinations (RRR: 0.74, 95% CI 0.62, 0.87) were more likely to leave. GPs who were satisfied with the freedom of choosing work methods (RRR: 1.52, 95% CI 1.25, 1.84) and chances of promotion (RRR: 1.60, 95% CI 1.32, 1.94) were more likely to remain. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significance of policy perception and job satisfaction on GPs' intentions to remain in rural area. Factors such as career advancement and the empowerment of GPs to build on and use their skills and abilities should be taken into account when designing rural placement programmes.

Perceptions and beliefs of general practitioners on their role in the cancer screening programmes in the Netherlands: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: In the Netherlands, population-based cancer screening programmes (CSPs) are organized aiming at cervical, breast and colorectal cancer. For a CSP to be effective, high participation rates are essential; however, there is an alarming downward trend, including wide regional variation in screening uptake. General practitioner (GP) involvement can have a stimulating effect on screening participation. Current GP involvement is however, limited, varies between the programmes and has changed over time. Unexplored is what GPs think of their role(s) in the CSPs. The aim of this study was therefore to map the perceptions and beliefs of GPs regarding their current and future role in the Dutch CSPs. METHODS: A mixed-methods sequential explanatory study was conducted in the Leiden/The Hague area of the Netherlands, between the end of 2021 and 2022. A questionnaire was developed and distributed among 110 GPs. The aggregated results obtained from the questionnaires served as starting points for conducting semi-structured interviews, with purposefully selected GPs. With this sequential approach we aimed to further enhance the understanding of the questionnaire data, and delved into the topics that emerged from the questionnaire responses. RESULTS: In total, 46 GPs completed the online questionnaire (response rate 42%). Subsequent five semi-structured comprehensive interviews were conducted. GPs indicated that they frequently encounter the CSP in their daily practice and consider it important. They also emphasised it is important that GPs remain closely involved with the CSPs in the future. Nevertheless, GPs also repeatedly mentioned that they are not eager to take on more logistical/organizational tasks. They are however willing to empower CSPs in a positive manner. CONCLUSION: GPs were generally positive about the CSPs and their current role within these programmes. Nevertheless, several options have been proposed to improve the CSPs, especially to increase screening uptake for populations in a socioeconomically disadvantaged position. Since it is of utmost importance to screen those who are most at risk of developing the screening-specific tumours, efforts should be made to achieve this goal.

Understanding GPs' referral decisions for younger patients with symptoms of cancer: a qualitative interview study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer incidence increases with age, so some clinical guidelines include patient age as one of the criteria used to decide whether a patient should be referred through the urgent suspected cancer (USC) pathway. Little is known about how strictly GPs adhere to these age criteria and what factors might influence their referral decisions for younger patients. AIM: To understand GPs' clinical decision making for younger patients with concerning symptoms who do not meet the age criteria for USC referral. DESIGN AND SETTING: Qualitative study using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with GPs working in surgeries across England. METHOD: Participants (n = 23) were asked to recall consultations with younger patients with cancer symptoms, describe factors influencing their clinical decisions, and discuss their overall attitude to age thresholds in cancer referral guidelines. A thematic analysis guided by the Framework approach was used to identify recurring themes. RESULTS: GPs' decision making regarding younger patients was influenced by several factors, including personal experiences, patients' views and behaviour, level of clinical concern, and ability to bypass system constraints. GPs weighted potential benefits and harms of a referral outside guidelines both on the patient and the health system. If clinical concern was high, GPs used their knowledge of local systems to ensure patients were investigated promptly even when not meeting the age criteria. CONCLUSION: While most GPs interpret age criteria flexibly and follow their own judgement and experience when making clinical decisions regarding younger patients, system constraints may be a barrier to timely investigation.

Non-dispensing pharmacists integrated into general practices as a new interprofessional model: a qualitative evaluation of general practitioners' experiences and views.

BACKGROUND: A new interprofessional model incorporating non-dispensing pharmacists in general practice teams can improve the quality of pharmaceutical care. However, results of the model are dependent on the context. Understanding when, why and how the model works may increase chances of successful broader implementation in other general practices. Earlier theories suggested that the results of the model are achieved by bringing pharmacotherapeutic knowledge into general practices. This mechanism may not be enough for successful implementation of the model. We wanted to understand better how establishing new interprofessional models in existing healthcare organisations takes place. METHODS: An interview study, with a realist informed evaluation was conducted. This qualitative study was part of the Pharmacotherapy Optimisation through Integration of a Non-dispensing pharmacist in primary care Teams (POINT) project. We invited the general practitioners of the 9 general practices who (had) worked closely with a non-dispensing pharmacist for an interview. Interview data were analysed through discussions about the coding with the research team where themes were developed over time. RESULTS: We interviewed 2 general practitioners in each general practice (18 interviews in total). In a context where general practitioners acknowledge the need for improvement and are willing to work with a non-dispensing pharmacist as a new team member, the following mechanisms are triggered. Non-dispensing pharmacists add new knowledge to current general practice. Through everyday talk (discursive actions) both general practitioners and non-dispensing pharmacists evolve in what they consider appropriate, legitimate and imaginable in their work situations. They align their professional identities. CONCLUSIONS: Not only the addition of new knowledge of non-dispensing pharmacist to the general practice team is crucial for the success of this interprofessional healthcare model, but also alignment of the general practitioners' and non-dispensing pharmacists' professional identities. This is essentially different from traditional pharmaceutical care models, in which pharmacists and GPs work in separate organisations. To induce the process of identity alignment, general practitioners need to acknowledge the need to improve the quality of pharmaceutical care interprofessionally. By acknowledging the aspect of interprofessionality, both general practitioners and non-dispensing pharmacists will explore and reflect on what they consider appropriate, legitimate and imaginable in carrying out their professional roles. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The POINT project was pre-registered in The Netherlands National Trial Register, with Trial registration number NTR-4389.