HbA1c changes in a deprived population who followed or not a diabetes self-management programme, organised in a multi-professional primary care practice: a historical cohort study on 207 patients between 2017 and 2019.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes self-management (DSM) helps people with diabetes to become actors in their disease. Deprived populations are particularly affected by diabetes and are less likely to have access to these programmes. DSM implementation in primary care, particularly in a multi-professional primary care practice (MPCP), is a valuable strategy to promote care access for these populations. In Rennes (Western France), a DSM programme was designed by a MPCP in a socio-economically deprived area. The study objective was to compare diabetes control in people who followed or not this DSM programme. METHOD: The historical cohort of patients who participated in the DSM programme at the MPCP between 2017 and 2019 (n = 69) was compared with patients who did not participate in the programme, matched on sex, age, diabetes type and place of the general practitioner's practice (n = 138). The primary outcome was glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) change between 12 months before and 12 months after the DSM programme. Secondary outcomes included modifications in diabetes treatment, body mass index, blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, presence of microalbuminuria, and diabetes retinopathy screening participation. RESULTS: HbA1c was significantly improved in the exposed group after the programme (p < 0.01). The analysis did not find any significant between-group difference in socio-demographic data, medical history, comorbidities, and treatment adaptation. CONCLUSIONS: These results, consistent with the international literature, promote the development of DSM programmes in primary care settings in deprived areas. The results of this real-life study need to be confirmed on the long-term and in different contexts (rural area, healthcare organisation).

Rural general practitioners have different personal and professional trajectories from those of their urban colleagues: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: In France, rural general practitioner (GP) numbers could reduce by 20% between 2006 and 2030 if no measures are taken to address primary care access difficulties. In countries such as Australia, the USA and Canada, intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with GPs practising in rural areas include rural upbringing and rural training placements. However, the health systems and rural area definition differ between these countries and France making result extrapolation difficult. These factors must be studied in the context of the French heath system, to design strategies to improve rural GP recruitment and retention. This study aims to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with GPs practising in rural areas in France. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted between May and September 2020. Included GPs practised in Brittany, France, and completed a self-administered questionnaire. The cases were rural GPs and controls were urban GPs. National references defined rural and urban areas. Comparisons between rural and urban groups were conducted using univariate and multivariate analyses to identify factors associated with practising in a rural area. RESULTS: The study included 341 GPs, of which 146 were in the rural group and 195 in the urban group. Working as a rural GP was significantly associated with having a rural upbringing (OR = 2.35; 95% CI [1.07-5.15]; p = 0.032), completing at least one undergraduate general medicine training placement in a rural area (OR = 3.44; 95% CI [1.18-9.98]; p < 0.023), and having worked as a locum in a rural area for at least three months (OR = 3.76; 95% CI [2.28-6.18]; p < 0.001). Choosing to work in a rural area was also associated with the place of residence at the end of postgraduate training (OR = 5.13; 95% CI [1.38-19.06]; p = 0.015) and with the spouse or partner having a rural upbringing (OR = 2.36; 95% CI [1.12-4.96]; p = 0.023) or working in a rural area (OR = 5.29; 95% CI [2,02-13.87]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: French rural GPs were more likely to have grown up, trained, or worked as a locum in a rural area. Strategies to improve rural GP retention and recruitment in France could therefore include making rural areas a more attractive place to live and work, encouraging rural locum placements and compulsory rural training, and possibly enrolling more medical students with a rural background.

Prevalence and risk factors of asthma in dairy farmers: Ancillary analysis of AIRBAg.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged occupational agricultural exposure is associated with an increase in asthma diagnosis. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors for asthma in dairy farmers. METHODS: AIRBAg was a cross-sectional study including 1203 representative dairy farmers. They completed a self-administered questionnaire and underwent a health respiratory check-up. Referral to a pulmonologist was made for any participant with wheezing, dyspnoea, chronic bronchitis, a chronic cough or a FEV1/FEV6 ratio<80%. They underwent further examinations such as spirometry with a reversibility test. Controls (non-asthmatic dairy farmers and non-farm employees) were matched to each asthma case for sex and age (±5 years). The odds ratios (OR) between asthma and different risk factors were estimated using conditional multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Active asthma was diagnosed in 107 (8.9%) farmers. Compared with control dairy farmers, there was a positive association with family history of allergy (OR = 8.68; 95% CI [4.26-17.69]), personal history of eczema (OR = 3.39; 95% CI [1.61-7.13]), hay manipulation (OR = 5.36, 95% CI [1.59-18.01]), and a negative association with farm area (OR = 0.92; 95% CI [0.85-0.99]) and handling treated seeds (OR = 0.47; 95% CI [0.23-0.95]). Compared with control non-farm employees, there was a positive association between asthma and family history of allergy (OR = 95.82, 95% CI [12.55-731.47]). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of active asthma in dairy farmers was somewhat higher than the rate observed in the general population but may be controlled by reducing exposure to airborne organic contaminants through occupational adaptions on farms.

Service sanitaire des étudiants en santé : ancrer l'éducation pour la santé dans le cursus des étudiants.

INTRODUCTION: Established in France since 2018, the Student Health Service aims to train students to become actors in health education. METHODS AND RESULTS: A teaching system lasting the equivalent of six weeks full-time has been set up in the third year of medical school in Rennes. The aim is for students to develop the skills needed to carry out interventions based on a project approach, with a variety of audiences, on priority public health themes.New pedagogical approaches have been developed to integrate learning about health promotion and health education into the medical curriculum. Innovations have been implemented: work on the educational posture, tutoring of third-year students by medical interns, a forum for simulation of concrete actions under the supervision of a dual thematic and population-based expertise. Beyond the acquisition of knowledge, the training aims to encourage a reflective approach and is based on peer education.The 240 students of the faculty prepare their project in trinomials throughout the academic year. Their activities take place over ten half-days in more than a hundred establishments in the faculty subdivision and enable them to work with approximately 10,000 people per year. DISCUSSION: Education and health promotion now occupies a central place in the training of third-year students, an essential condition for the sustainable acquisition of this field of expertise by future health professionals.

Perspectives of deprived patients on diabetes self-management programmes delivered by the local primary care team: a qualitative study on facilitators and barriers for participation, in France.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is an effective intervention for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); nevertheless, patient participation in this type of programme is low. Implementation of DSME programmes in primary care practices by the local multi-professional team is a potential strategy to improve access to DSME for T2DM patients. The aim of this study was to identify perceived facilitators and barriers by patients to participation in local DSME delivered by primary care professionals in France. METHOD: T2DM patients, informed and recruited during consulting with their usual care provider, who had attended a structured and validated DSME programme delivered by 13 primary care providers within a multi-professional primary care practice in a deprived area of 20,000 inhabitants, were invited to participate in this study. A qualitative study with semi-structured, in-depth interviews was conducted with study participants, between July 2017 and February 2018. A reflexive thematic analysis of the interviews was carried out. Coding schemes were developed to generate thematic trends in patient descriptions of facilitators and barriers to DSME participation. RESULTS: Nineteen interviews (mean length 31 min; [20-44 min]) were completed with T2DM patients. Four themes on facilitators for programme participation emerged from the data: geographical proximity of a DSME programme held in the local multi-professional primary care practice; effective promotion of the DSME programme by the local multi-professional team; pre-existing relationship between patients and their healthcare providers; and potential to establish new social interactions within the neighbourhood by participating in the programme. Three themes on barriers to attendance emerged: integrating the DSME programme into their own schedules; difficulties in expressing themselves in front of a group; and keeping the motivation for self-managing their T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: From the patient perspective, the programme geographical proximity and the pre-existing patient-healthcare provider relationship were important factors that contributed to participation. Healthcare providers should consider these factors to improve access to DSME programmes and diabetes self-management in deprived populations. Longitudinal studies should be performed to measure the impact of these programmes.

Prevalence and risk factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in dairy farmers: AIRBAg study.

BACKGROUND: The AIRBAg study was designed to assess the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in dairy farmers and to define its associated risk factors. METHODS: Between March 2012 and February 2017 randomly selected dairy farmers in the French region of Brittany were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire and undergo an occupational health check-up with electronic mini-spirometry and standard spirometry. Those having one or more of the following features: chronic cough, chronic bronchitis, wheezing, dyspnea and/or a ratio FEV1/FEV6 < 80% were then referred to a pulmonologist for further check-up including spirometry with a reversibility test. Each COPD case was matched with three controls (dairy farmers and non-farm employees), for sex and age ( ±â€¯5 years). Conditional multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios between COPD occurrence and various risk factors. RESULTS: The 1203 farmers examined included 525 (43.6%) who were "at risk of bronchial obstruction" and 432 (35.9%) of these saw the pulmonologist. This screening identified 16 (1.3%) cases of COPD, including eight non-smokers and five with an FEV1 < 80% of predicted values. Their average age was 54.6 ( ±â€¯7.7) years and 10 of them were men. None complained of illness before the study. Multivariate analyses revealed no significant occupational risk factors for COPD. CONCLUSIONS: This unexpected result may be because Breton dairy farms began to modernize early (1950s), giving rise to conditions with much lower exposure to airborne contaminants.

How to become proficient in performance of the resting ankle-brachial index: Results of the first randomized controlled trial.

The resting ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a first-line test to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD). No randomized controlled trial (RCT) has yet been conducted to determine the best teaching method to become proficient in the ABI procedure. We conducted a monocentric RCT to determine whether didactic learning alone or didactic learning combined with experiential learning improved proficiency in the ABI procedure. Medical students ( n = 30) received didactic learning, including (i) a presentation of the ABI guidelines and (ii) a video demonstration. Each student was then randomized into two groups ('no experiential learning group' and 'experiential learning group'). An initial evaluation was performed after the didactic learning and a final evaluation at the end of the intervention. A student was considered to be proficient when he or she performed a correct ABI procedure on a healthy individual and a patient. The correct procedure corresponds to (i) following guidelines and (ii) a difference in ABI measurement between a vascular specialist and a student of ≤ 0.15. No student was proficient at the initial evaluation. At the final evaluation, in the didactic learning group, the number of proficient students was not improved compared with the initial evaluation (0/10 vs 1/10). In the experiential learning group, the number of proficient students was significantly improved (0/20 vs 11/20; p < 0.05). At the final evaluation, there was a significant difference between the number of proficient students depending on their learning group. In conclusion, didactic learning alone is insufficient to gain proficiency in the ABI procedure. Combining didactic learning with experiential learning significantly improved the students' proficiency.

Parental reassurance concerning a feverish child: determinant factors in rural general practice.

BACKGROUND: Acute fever is the most common pediatric condition encountered in general practice and a source of parental concern that can result in inappropriate behavior. The main objective of this study was to describe and quantify parental reassurance concerning their feverish child in the context of visits to rural general practitioners (GPs). METHOD: The study included the parents of 202 feverish children, aged from 3 months to 6 years, consulting 13 representative rural GPs. Questionnaires were administered before and after the consultation. Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed to study variations of the levels of concern and associated factors. RESULTS: The duration of fever was 1.3 days (± 1.1). The mean score for parental concern was 4.8 out of 10 (± 2.2) before, and 2.4 (± 1.9) after the consultation (p < 0.0001). The concern correlated with the timing of the appointment relative to the usual wait (p = 0.0002), and a lack of knowledge about fever complications (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Facilitating access to consultations with a GP within the expected timeframe reduces parental concern. Increasing parental education about fever is also necessary.

Factors influencing the development of primary care data collection projects from electronic health records: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary care data gathered from Electronic Health Records are of the utmost interest considering the essential role of general practitioners (GPs) as coordinators of patient care. These data represent the synthesis of the patient history and also give a comprehensive picture of the population health status. Nevertheless, discrepancies between countries exist concerning routine data collection projects. Therefore, we wanted to identify elements that influence the development and durability of such projects. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed database to identify worldwide current primary care data collection projects. The gray literature was also searched via official project websites and their contact person was emailed to obtain information on the project managers. Data were retrieved from the included studies using a standardized form, screening four aspects: projects features, technological infrastructure, GPs' roles, data collection network organization. RESULTS: The literature search allowed identifying 36 routine data collection networks, mostly in English-speaking countries: CPRD and THIN in the United Kingdom, the Veterans Health Administration project in the United States, EMRALD and CPCSSN in Canada. These projects had in common the use of technical facilities that range from extraction tools to comprehensive computing platforms. Moreover, GPs initiated the extraction process and benefited from incentives for their participation. Finally, analysis of the literature data highlighted that governmental services, academic institutions, including departments of general practice, and software companies, are pivotal for the promotion and durability of primary care data collection projects. CONCLUSION: Solid technical facilities and strong academic and governmental support are required for promoting and supporting long-term and wide-range primary care data collection projects.

[What Are the Main Factors Assisting General Practitioners in the Development of Educational Strategies?]

General practitioners (GP) are in a special position to conduct educational strategies for their patients with chronic disease. Despite the GP's desire to be involved in patient education, this approach remains underdeveloped.Objective: To determine the factors required support the development of educational strategies in general practice from the GPs' perspective.Methods: Qualitative study based on a "modified nominal group technique" carried out among 21 GPs (not specifically trained in patient education) participating as investigators in an interventional study testing a structured educational strategy. The interventional study based on processes and tools specifically developed to suit general practice was held during their usual consultations. Thirty one patients with COPD were followed for 9 months.Results: GPs identified 23 specific factors restructured after the clarification-reformulation step in 6 main factors required for the development of educational strategies in general practice. The consensus revealed that reinforcement of initial and continuing medical training was the most frequently cited factor and was considered to be a priority. The development of inter- and intra-professional cooperation was the second leading factor to be taken into account.Conclusion: The improvement of GP training and the promotion of areas of cooperation could help GPs to develop educational strategies during their consultations. These results may provide insight to regional health agencies concerning the deployment of patient education in primary care.

[What are the main factors assisting general practitioners in the development of educational strategies?] / Quels sont les facteurs prioritaires à mettre en œuvre pour développer une démarche éducative en médecine générale ?

General practitioners (GP) are in a special position to conduct educational strategies for their patients with chronic disease. Despite the GP's desire to be involved in patient education, this approach remains underdeveloped.Objective: To determine the factors required support the development of educational strategies in general practice from the GPs' perspective.Methods: Qualitative study based on a "modified nominal group technique" carried out among 21 GPs (not specifically trained in patient education) participating as investigators in an interventional study testing a structured educational strategy. The interventional study based on processes and tools specifically developed to suit general practice was held during their usual consultations. Thirty one patients with COPD were followed for 9 months.Results: GPs identified 23 specific factors restructured after the clarification-reformulation step in 6 main factors required for the development of educational strategies in general practice. The consensus revealed that reinforcement of initial and continuing medical training was the most frequently cited factor and was considered to be a priority. The development of inter- and intra-professional cooperation was the second leading factor to be taken into account.Conclusion: The improvement of GP training and the promotion of areas of cooperation could help GPs to develop educational strategies during their consultations. These results may provide insight to regional health agencies concerning the deployment of patient education in primary care.

[Patient's preferences for repeat prescriptions in general practice]. / Consultation de renouvellement d'ordonnance en médecine générale : qu'en attendent les patients ?

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of chronic diseases regularly increases thus focusing quality of care as a priority in chronically illness. In 2014, prescription renewal was the first reason of outpatient visit in French general practice. In fact, the follow-up of chronic disease may be somewhat longer and more complex than other standard cares. This work aimed to explore patients' preferences with regard to prescription renewal and its variation according to their own illness profiles. METHODS: Between June and July 2014, patient perceptions were collected through a self-administered questionnaire addressed to adults from 14 French GPs offices. RESULTS: In one month, 307 questionnaires were returned. More than two-third patients (69.7%) evaluated the physician intervention as important as for another reason. The prescription was essential or very important for 70%. Priority points were those related to share therapeutic options with the physician and to obtain more information on their own illness. Older were more seeking for information on symptoms and disease than younger (OR=1.14 [1.03-1.23]). CONCLUSION: Patients are dealing with their own monitoring of chronic diseases. They expect more information and they look for shared decisions. The term "renewal" does not match their expectations thus leading against patient preference: we advocate substituting it to "prescription revaluation".

Effects of virtual reality on pain during intrauterine device insertions: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The trial aimed to compare the pain perceived by women during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, with or without virtual reality (VR) therapy. Furthermore, anxiety during the insertions, pain after the insertions, and satisfaction with the insertions were compared. METHODS: The trial was designed as a prospective, bi-centric, randomized, open-label interventional trial. All adult women that chose an IUD during a contraceptive consultation, and who provided informed consent were eligible. Women under legal guardianship, not affiliated to a national social security system, and with pre-existing dizziness, severe facial wounds, or epilepsy were not eligible. Eligible women were randomly allocated either standard care without VR therapy (Control group) or with VR therapy (Experimental group). Pain, anxiety, and satisfaction were measured using a 10-cm numerical scale. RESULTS: Between September 2020 and April 2022, 100 women were randomized: 50 to each group. The mean pain scores during IUD insertion were 5.4 cm in the Control group versus 5.1 cm in the Experimental group (p = 0.54). Mean anxiety during insertion were 4.8 cm in the Control group versus 4.2 cm in the Experimental group (p = 0.13). While mean pain perceived after insertions were 2.4 cm in the Control Group and 2.4 cm in the Experimental group (p = 0.98). Mean satisfaction with the insertions was 9.6 cm in both groups (p = 0.87). Anxiety before IUD insertion, as well as anticipated pain, were significantly correlated with pain perceived during insertions. CONCLUSIONS: VR therapy performed during the procedure did not alleviate perceived pain in women undergoing IUD insertions.

Evolution of public funding since primary care research was considered as a priority research domain in france.

PURPOSE: Annually, the French Ministry of Health funds clinical research projects based on a national call for projects. Since 2013, the Ministry has prioritized funding of primary care. Projects selected for funding are made public without distinguishing the specific area of research. The objective of this study was to identify and describe the evolution of the primary care research projects funded by the Ministry of Health between 2013 and 2019. METHOD: We reviewed all of the 1796 medical research projects funded between 2013 and 2019 and categorized projects as primary care projects by using a list of specific keywords. This list was established through two approaches: (1) selected by an expert committee, the RECaP primary care working group, and (2) using an automated textual analysis of published articles in the field. The keywords were used to screen the titles of the medical research projects funded. The abstracts (at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ) or details (from project leaders) were then analyzed by two independent reviewers to determine true primary care projects. RESULTS: Finally, 49 primary care projects were identified, representing 2.7% of all medical research projects funded, without any significant change over the period. These projects were predominantly interventional (69%), with a median number of patients expected per project of 902. CONCLUSION: Despite the prioritization of primary care research in 2013 by the French ministry of health, the number and proportion of projects funded remains low, with no significant change over the years. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Educating sports people about CPR and first aid in general practice: the Savtember project.

AIM: During an exercise-related sudden cardiac arrest, bystander automated external defibrillator use occurred in a median of 31%. The present study conducted in France evaluated the feasibility and impact of a brief intervention by general practitioners (GPs) to increase awareness about first aid/CPR training among amateur sportspeople. METHODS: In 2018, 49 French GPs proposed a brief intervention to all patients who attended a consultation in order to obtain a medical certificate attesting their fitness to participate in sports. The brief intervention included two questions (Have you been trained in first aid? Would you like to attend a first aid course?) and a flyer on first aid. The GPs' opinion of the feasibility of the brief intervention was evaluated during a subsequent interview (primary objective). The percentage of sportspeople who started a first aid/CPR course within three months was used as a measure of the effectiveness of the brief intervention (secondary objective). FINDINGS: Among 929 sportspeople, 37% were interested in first aid training and received the flyer (4% of these started a training course within three months of the brief intervention, a training rate that was 10 times greater than among the general French population), 56% were already trained, and 7% were not interested. All GPs found the brief intervention feasible and fast (<3 min for 80% of GPs). We conclude the brief intervention to promote first aid/CPR awareness is easy to use and may be an effective although limited means of promoting CPR training. It opens a previously unexplored avenue for GP involvement in promoting training.

Patients and general practitioners agree that wearing masks during consultations complicates physician--patient relationships: An exploratory, qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The physician--patient relationship plays a critical role in the quality of primary care management. The generalised wearing of surgical masks in enclosed spaces - common during the COVID-19 pandemic -- could change the communication between patients and healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVES: To assess how general practitioners (GPs) and patients feel about wearing masks during a consultation and its influences on physician--patient relationship. To evaluate methods healthcare professionals could use to compensate for mask wearing during a consultation. METHODS: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews based on a literature-based interview guide with GPs and patients in Brittany, France. Recruitment took place from January to October 2021 until data saturation. Two independent investigators performed an open and thematic coding and then discussed their results with a consensus procedure. RESULTS: Thirteen GPs and 11 patients were included. It appears that wearing masks complicates consultations by creating distance, impairing communication, mainly non-verbal and altering relationship quality. However, GPs and patients believed relationships were preserved, especially those with a solid foundation prior to the pandemic. GPs described having to adapt to maintain relationship. Patients worried about misunderstandings or diagnostic errors but saw the mask as a protective factor. GPs and patients described similar populations requiring vigilance, including geriatric and paediatric populations, and people with hearing impairments or learning difficulties. According to GPs, possible adaptations include speaking clearly, exaggerating non-verbal communication, temporarily removing mask while maintaining safe distance and identifying patients who need increased vigilance. CONCLUSION: Wearing masks makes the doctor--patient relationship more complex. GPs adjusted their practice to compensate.

Early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary care: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains largely underdiagnosed. AIM: To assess whether the use of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) questions and COPD coordination, either alone or combined, would detect new COPD cases in primary care. DESIGN AND SETTING: GPs in Brittany, France, systematically enrolled patients aged 40-80 years over a 4-month period in this French multicentre cluster randomised controlled study. METHOD: GPs were randomly allocated to one of four groups: control (standard of care), GOLD questions (adapted from symptoms and risk factors identified by GOLD), COPD coordination, and GOLD questions with COPD coordination. New cases of COPD were those confirmed by spirometry: post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second over forced vital capacity of <0.7. RESULTS: In total, 11 430 consultations were conducted by 47 GPs, who enrolled 3162 patients who did not have prior diagnosed asthma or COPD. Among these, 802 (25%) were enrolled in the control, 820 (26%) in the GOLD questions, 802 (25%) in the COPD coordination, and 738 (23%) in the GOLD questions with COPD coordination groups. In the control group, COPD was not evoked, and no spirometry was prescribed. All new cases of COPD diagnosed (n = 24, 0.8%) were in the intervention groups, representing 6.8% of patients who performed spirometry. Statistically significantly more new cases of COPD were detected with COPD coordination (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Interventions that can be easily implemented, such as the GOLD questions and COPD coordination, can identify new cases of COPD. Studies are needed to identify the most appropriate case-finding strategies for GPs to detect COPD in primary care for each country.

Guidelines for the management of chronic cough in adults. Endorsed by the French speaking society of respiratory diseases (Société de Pneumologie de Langue Française, SPLF), the Société Française d'Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie et de Chirurgie de la Face et du Cou (SFORL), the Société Française de Phoniatrie et de Laryngologie (SFPL), the Société Nationale Française de Gastro-entérologie (SNFGE).

Patients with chronic cough experience a high alteration of quality of life. Moreover, chronic cough is a complex entity with numerous etiologies and treatments. In order to help clinicians involved in the management of patients with chronic cough, guidelines on chronic cough have been established by a group of French experts. These guidelines address the definitions of chronic cough and the initial management of patients with chronic cough. We present herein second-line tests that might be considered in patients with cough persistence despite initial management. Experts also propose a definition of unexplained or refractory chronic cough (URCC) in order to better identify patients whose cough persists despite optimal management. Finally, these guidelines address the pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions useful in URCC. Thus, amitryptilline, pregabalin, gabapentin or morphine combined with speech and/or physical therapy are a mainstay of treatment strategies in URCC. Other treatment options, such as P2 × 3 antagonists, are being developed.

Outpatient healthcare and clinical trials in the care pathway: Organisational and regulatory aspects and tools.

Clinical research in outpatient healthcare, particularly in general practice, which is the first line of contact with the population, is now a public health issue. However, this type of research has specific characteristics that differentiate it from clinical research conducted in a hospital setting and requires an adaptation of its conditions of practice: in terms of organisation, the development of research in outpatient healthcare relies on the appropriation of its fundamentals by the investigators, which implies their presentation, upstream, from the initial cycle, and the participation of practitioners in training modules adapted to research in primary care, such as those already organised by several GIRCI (Groupement Inter régional de la Recherche Clinique et de l'Innovation [French Interregional Clusters for Clinical Research and Innovation]). To compensate for the fragmented nature of their location, on the model of the EMRCs (équipes mobiles de recherche clinique [mobile clinical research teams]) in oncology, mobile research teams should enable general medical practices to participate in clinical trials. This presupposes, on the one hand, the allocation of earmarked funding to ensure the sustainability of a base of dedicated personnel and, on the other hand, the impetus of a national dynamic through the setting up of a multi-organisation thematic institute for "research in primary care" associated, at the operational level, with a national scale investigation network supported by a platform of excellence. The use of digital tools and innovations (telemedicine; data collection via connected tools; e-consent; electronic signature) which make it possible to digitise and relocate all or part of the research procedures for both the participant and the investigation teams. An adaptation of the legal framework in order to bring the place of research closer to the patient and not the other way round, which means moving the equipment and investigations closer to the patient. Taking into account the acceptability of the patient, thus limiting the disruption that may be caused by his or her participation in a research protocol and motivating the practitioner by valuing his or her contribution and providing all the guarantees of scientific relevance and independence of practice. In view of the contextual analysis, positive feedback and the availability of organisational and digital support points facilitating the delocalisation and digitisation of the conduct of research activity as close as possible to the patient and his or her doctor, the round table concluded that opportunities exist today which favour the development of clinical research in general practice. It is important to seize this opportunity and make the most of it without delay.

Changes in prostate cancer screening practice by blood PSA testing between 2011 and 2017, a French population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the trend of first blood prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test prescription in France between 2011 and 2017, based on the assumption that prostate cancer (PCa) screening is expected to decline over the years. METHOD: Using a representative sample of the French population from the French Health Insurance database, we identified 50-52-year-old men without PCa and without any blood PSA test in the five years before 2011, 2014 and 2017 (January 1-December 31 of each year). For each of these three years, the primary outcome was the first reimbursement of a blood PSA test. We used a logistic regression model with first blood PSA test as the outcome and year as the main explanatory variable. As secondary objectives, we also identified the prescriber's specialty, the urological consultation frequency, and the number of prostate biopsies in the year after the first blood PSA test reimbursement (only for 2011 and 2014). RESULTS: In 2011, 2014 and 2017, 5 275, 5 792 and 5 887 50-52-year-old men, respectively, were included. The percentage of patients with a first blood PSA test prescription decreased linearly from 2011 to 2017: 15.7% in 2011, 13.2% in 2014, and 12.4% in 2017 (p < .001). Blood PSA testing was mainly prescribed by general practitioners (>95%). The median interval between PSA tests was 13 months in 2011 and 14 months in 2014. Fewer than 10% of men had ≥1 consultation with an urologist during the year after the first blood PSA test. After the first blood PSA test, eight prostate biopsies were performed in 2011 and two in 2014. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that in France, PCa screening is a primary care issue. Although PCa screening remains controversial and confusion exists about the best practice, our study showed a linear decrease of blood PSA test prescriptions for 50-52-year-old men between 2011 and 2017, although the reason for screening was unknown. As clinical information was not available, additional evidence is needed to determine the real impact of this decrease on the cancer-specific and overall mortality.