[Hypnosis: a complementary tool for managing adolescents affected by anorexia nervosa]. / Hypnose : outil complémentaire chez les adolescent-e-s souffrant d'anorexie mentale.

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) mainly affects adolescent girls and requires specialized, multidisciplinary care. In Geneva, the HUG's AliNEA unit and the pediatric hypnosis consultation have been collaborating since 2021 to integrate hypnosis into the management of AN. Hypnosis is seen as a complementary tool to the Maudsley therapeutic model, but not a miracle solution. It needs to be adapted to each patient's individual needs and to the different phases of treatment : re-association with the body, reinforcement of motivation, exploration of interpersonal relationships and consolidation of progress. Although scientific evidence is limited, patient testimonials underline its beneficial potential as a non-medicinal, individualized form of support.

L'anorexie mentale (AM) affecte principalement les adolescentes et requiert une prise en charge spécialisée et multidisciplinaire. Aux Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève (HUG), l'unité AliNEA et la consultation d'hypnose pédiatrique collaborent depuis 2021 pour intégrer l'hypnose dans la prise en charge de l'AM. L'hypnose est considérée comme un outil complémentaire au modèle thérapeutique Maudsley, mais non une solution miracle. Elle nécessite une adaptation aux besoins individuels de chaque patiente et aux différentes phases de la prise en charge : réassociation avec le corps, renforcement de la motivation, exploration des relations interpersonnelles et consolidation des progrès. Bien que les preuves scientifiques soient limitées, les témoignages des patientes soulignent son potentiel bénéfice comme soutien non médicamenteux et individualisé.

French General Practitioners' Adaptations for Patients with Suspected COVID-19 in May 2020.

In France, towards the end of the first lockdown, COVID-19 management was largely transferred from hospitals to primary care. Primary care actors adapted their practices to ensure patients' access to care, while limiting contamination. In this study, we aimed to identify patterns of adaptations implemented by French general practitioners (GPs) in May 2020 for outpatients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, and factors associated with these adaptions. A French survey concerning care organization adaptations, and individual, organizational, and territorial characteristics, was sent to GPs. Data were analyzed by multiple correspondence analysis followed by agglomerative hierarchical clustering to identify GPs' adaptation clusters. A multinomial logistic regression model estimated the associations between clusters and individual, organizational, and territorial factors. Finally, 3068 surveys were analyzed (5.8% of French GPs). Four GPs' adaptation clusters were identified: autonomous medical reorganization (64.2% of responders), interprofessional reorganization (15.9%), use of hospital (5.1%), and collaboration with COVID-19 outpatient centers (14.8%). Age, practice type and size, and territorial features were significantly associated with adaptation clusters. Our results suggest that healthcare systems should consider organizational features of primary care to effectively deal with future challenges, including healthcare crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but also those linked to epidemiologic and societal changes.

Prescription of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs among older patients in primary care: a French, national, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In France, general practitioners (GPs) prescribe benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (BZD/ZDs) widely, and especially to older adults. Several characteristics of patients and/or GPs linked to BZD/ZD overprescription have been described in the general population but not among older patients in primary care. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the proportion of GP consultations by patients aged 65 and over that resulted in a BZD/ZD prescription, and determine whether any GP-related factors predicted BZD/ZD overprescription in this setting. METHODS: We analyzed sociodemographic and practice-related GP characteristics, and aggregated data on consultations recorded prospectively by 117 GPs in a database between 2000 and 2010. Next, we used logistic regression models to look for factors potentially associated with BZD/ZD overprescription (defined as an above-median prescription rate). RESULTS: The GPs' mean age at inclusion was 47.4 (7.1), and 87.9% were male. During the study period, the median (95% confidence interval) proportion of consultations with patients aged 65 and over resulting in a BZD/ZD prescription was 21.8% (18.1-26.1) (range per GP: 5-34.1%). In a multivariable analysis, a greater number of chronic disease (OR [95% CI] = 2.10 [1.22-3.64]), a greater number of drugs prescribed per consultation (5.29 [2.72-10.28]), and shorter study participation were independently associated with BZD/ZD overprescription. CONCLUSIONS: BZD/ZD overprescription was associated with a greater chronic disease burden and the number of drugs prescribed per consultation but not with any sociodemographic or practice-related GP characteristics. Targeted actions are needed to help GPs limit their prescription of BZD/ZDs to older patients with multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy.

In France, general practitioners (GPs) prescribe benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (BZD/ZDs) widely, and especially to older adults. Even though BZD/ZDs may not have a favorable risk­benefit ratio in older patients, we lack data on GP-related factors that might influence BZD/ZD overprescription in our population. The objectives of the present study were to (i) estimate the proportion of GP consultations by patients aged 65 and over that resulted in a BZD/ZD prescription and (ii) identify GP-related factors that were predictive of overprescription. To achieve this goal, we analyzed consultation notes registered by 117 GPs in a database curated by the French Society of General Practice between 2000 and 2010. About 22% of consultations by patients aged 65 and over resulted in a BZD/ZD prescription. With regard to the GPs, we did not find any sociodemographic or practice-related characteristics associated with overprescription. A greater chronic disease burden and the number of drug prescriptions (other than BZD/ZDs) per consultation was independently associated with overprescription. Targeted actions are therefore needed to help GPs limit their prescription of BZD/ZDs in older patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy.

Soins primaires et COVID-19 en France : apports d'un réseau de recherche associant praticiens et chercheurs.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 epidemic represented a major challenge for the primary care sector. We present the results of an interprofessional collaborative research endeavor conducted by the ACCORD network to describe primary care actors' and organizations' response to the first wave of the epidemic and national lockdown in France. METHODS: This work draws from quantitative and qualitative material. The quantitative data results from the cross-analysis of the six online surveys carried out by the ACCORD network between March and May 2020, among general practitioners, midwives, and multi-professional primary care organizations in France. This data was enriched by collective multi-professional and multi-disciplinary exchanges conducted in virtual focus groups during an online seminar. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in primary care activity during the first wave of the epidemic. Many primary care actors adapted their organizations to lower the risk of coronavirus transmission while maintaining access and continuity of care. Professionals received and used information from multiple sources. The crisis revealed both the importance and the diversity of local networks of exchange and collaboration. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care actors adapted quickly and with important local variability to the COVID epidemic, highlighting the importance of pre-existing organizations and collaborations at the local level.

[Postural tachycardia syndrome among adolescents]. / Syndrome de tachycardie posturale chez les adolescent-e-s.

Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is a frequent polymorphic clinical syndrome, poorly known and, as a result, underdiagnosed especially in adolescents. It is a form of dysautonomia, but its exact physiopathology remains elusive. It is characterized by heterogeneous symptoms that accompany a disproportionate tachycardia upon the upright position. It can significantly impact adolescents' quality of life. Only a Schellong test is useful to make the diagnosis; however additional testing is frequently performed in order to exclude conditions that may mimic, exacerbate or impact management. Treatment in PoTS is primarily symptomatic. The main goal is to restore the patient's condition as quickly as possible. Its management is multidisciplinary and must involve the parents. The course of the syndrome is sometimes marked by relapses, but the prognosis is mostly favorable.

Le syndrome de tachycardie posturale (STPo) est un syndrome clinique polymorphe sous-diagnostiqué. Il est fréquent et son impact est majeur sur la qualité de vie des adolescent-e-s. Il résulte d'une dysautonomie. Il est caractérisé par une tachycardie disproportionnée lors du passage en position debout, avec des symptômes hétérogènes. Seul un test de Schellong permet de poser le diagnostic ; des analyses complémentaires sont néanmoins fréquemment réalisées pour rechercher des affections qui peuvent mimer ou aggraver un STPo ou avoir un impact sur sa prise en charge. Son traitement est symptomatique avant tout. L'objectif est de reconditionner le patient, le plus rapidement possible. Sa prise en charge est multidisciplinaire et doit impliquer les parents. L'évolution vers la guérison est émaillée de rechutes, mais le pronostic est bon le plus souvent.

The challenge for general practitioners to keep in touch with vulnerable patients during the COVID-19 lockdown: an observational study in France.

BACKGROUND: In France, the first COVID-19-related lockdown (17th March to 10th May 2020) resulted in a major decrease in healthcare service utilization. This raised concerns about the continuity of care for vulnerable patients. OBJECTIVES: To identify individual and organizational factors associated with the initiatives taken by French GPs to contact vulnerable patients during the lockdown. METHODS: A national observational survey using an online questionnaire was conducted to document French GPs' adaptations to the COVID-19 situation, their individual and organizational characteristics, including practice type (individual, group, multidisciplinary) and size. Data were collected from 7th to 20th May 2020 using mailing lists of GPs from the study partners and GPs who participated in a previous survey. This paper analysed answers to the question exploring whether and how GPs took initiatives to contact vulnerable patients. Responses were categorized in: no initiative; selection of patients to contact with a criteria-based strategy; initiative of contact without criteria-based strategy. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression identified factors associated with each category. Key components of the reported initiatives were described by inductive analysis of verbatim material. RESULTS: Among the 3012 participant GPs (~ 5.6% of French GPs), 1419 (47.1%) reported initiatives to contact some patients without criteria-based strategy, and 808 (26.8%) with a strategy using various clinical/psychological/social criteria. Women GPs more often declared initiatives of contacts with a criteria-based strategy (OR = 1.41, 95% CI [1.14-1.75]) as well as GPs with more than two patients who died due to COVID-19 in comparison with those having none (OR = 1.84, 95% CI [1.43-2.36]). Teaching GPs more often used criteria-based strategies than the other GPs (OR = 1.94, 95% CI [1.51-2.48]). Compared with those working in small monodisciplinary practice, GPs working alone were less likely to implement criteria-based initiatives of contacts (OR = 0.70, 95% CI [0.51-0.97]), while GPs working in multidisciplinary practice were more likely (OR = 1.94, 95% CI [1.26-2.98] in practices > 20 professionals). CONCLUSION: French GPs took various initiatives to keep in touch with vulnerable patients, more frequently when working in group practices. These findings confirm the importance of primary care organization to ensure continuity of care for vulnerable people.

Prevalence and forms of gender discrimination and sexual harassment among medical students and physicians in French-speaking Switzerland: a survey.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and forms of gender discrimination and sexual harassment experienced by medical students and physicians in French-speaking part of Switzerland. DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted an online survey using a questionnaire of 9 multiple-choice and 2 open questions between 24 January 2019 and 24 February 2019. Our target population was medical students and physicians working at hospitals and general practitioners from the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The online survey was sent via social media platforms and direct emails. We compared answers between male-determined and female-determined respondents using either χ2 or Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Among 1071 responders, a total of 893 were included (625 females, 264 males, 4 non-binary and 1 non-binary and male). 178 were excluded because they did not mention their working place or were working only outside Switzerland. Because of the small number of non-binary participants, they were not contemplated in further statistical analysis. Of 889 participants left, 199 (31.8%) women and 18 (6.8%) men reported having personally experienced gender discrimination, in terms of sexism, difficulties in career development and psychological pressure. Among women, senior attendings were the most affected (55.2%), followed by residents (44.1%) and junior attendings (41.1%). Sexual harassment was equally observed among women (19.0%) and men (16.7%). Compared with men (47.0%), women (61.4%) expressed the need to promote equality and inclusivity in medicine more frequently (p<0.001), as well as the need for support in their professional development (38.7% women and 23.9% men; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Gender discrimination in medicine in French-speaking Switzerland affects one-third of women, in particular, those working in hospital settings and senior positions.

[Social isolation and loneliness among old people during Covid-19 pandemic]. / Isolement social et solitude chez la personne âgée en temps de pandémie du Covid-19.

The sanitary crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic limited the social network of elderly people, already at risk of social isolation and loneliness (SIL). Isolated and lonely people have a higher mortality risk and suffer from severe health repercussions. The management of SIL faces multiple difficulties, such as the lack of consensus on the definitions, as well as the absence of reliable screening tools and intervention strategies. SIL have a significant impact on individual health and the overall health system, they should be considered as a distinct geriatric syndrome. Taking care of this condition is necessary and should include the development of preventive strategies to limit its deleterious consequences.

La crise sanitaire liée à la pandémie de Covid-19 a fragilisé le tissu social des personnes âgées, déjà à risque d'isolement social et de solitude (ISS). Les patients isolés et esseulés ont un risque de mortalité élevé ainsi que d'autres répercussions importantes sur leur santé. La prise en charge de l'ISS est limitée par le manque de consensus dans les définitions, l'absence d'outils de repérage fiables et de stratégies d'intervention. Il a un impact considérable sur la santé et, par conséquent, sur le système des soins. Il devrait être inclus dans les syndromes gériatriques principaux de notre temps. De fait, une prise en charge à part entière est nécessaire et des moyens de prévention doivent être mis en œuvre pour en limiter ses conséquences néfastes.

Inappropriate direct oral anticoagulant prescriptions in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: cross-sectional analysis of the French CACAO cohort study in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) account for an increasing proportion of prescriptions in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in primary care. Inappropriate dosing of DOACs is a common problem, with under-dosing being a particular issue. However, conflicting results have been reported about the factors independently associated with inappropriate dosing. AIM: To describe inappropriate prescriptions of DOACs among patients in the CACAO French nationwide general practice cohort, and to identify the factors independently associated with inappropriate DOAC doses. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional baseline analysis of the CACAO French national multicentre prospective cohort of adult patients in primary care receiving an oral anticoagulant who were recruited between April and October 2014. METHOD: A total of 1111 patients from the CACAO cohort who received a DOAC for NVAF were included in this study. Inappropriate prescriptions of DOACs were described (inappropriate dosage, contraindications, non-indications, interactions, and non-compliance with the precautions for use). Multivariate logistic models were used to investigate factors associated with inappropriate DOAC dosing (under-dosing and over-dosing). RESULTS: Overall, 438 patients (39.4%) received at least one inappropriate DOAC prescription. The most common inappropriate prescription was inappropriate dosage (n = 374, 33.7%), particularly under-dosing (n = 348, 31.3%). Multivariate analysis revealed that factors independently associated with under-dosing were older age, prescription of apixaban or dabigatran, and a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 vs. a score = 1. Factors with over-dosing were kidney failure, a HAS-BLED score ≥3, and older age. CONCLUSION: The appropriateness of DOAC prescribing for NVAF can be improved, especially in older patients, and in patients with kidney failure, a higher risk of ischaemic stroke, and/or a higher risk of bleeding. GPs have a key role in increasing the proportion of appropriate DOAC prescriptions via informational, educational, and/or management strategies.

How GPs adapted their practices and organisations at the beginning of COVID-19 outbreak: a French national observational survey.

OBJECTIVES: To describe how general practitioners (GPs) adapted their practices to secure and maintain access to care in the epidemic phase. A secondary objective was to explore if GPs' individual characteristics and type of practice determined their adaptation. DESIGN: Observational study using an online questionnaire. Organisational changes were measured by a main question and detailed in two specific outcomes. To identify which GPs' characteristics impacted organisational changes, successive multivariate logistic modelling was performed. First, we identified the GPs' characteristics related to organisational changes with a univariate analysis. Then, we tested the adjusted associations between this variable and the following GPs' characteristics: age, gender and type of practice. SETTING: The questionnaire was administered online between 14 March and 21 March 2020. Practitioners were recruited by email using the contact lists of different French scientific GP societies. PARTICIPANTS: The target population was GPs currently practising in France (n=46 056). We obtained a total of 7481 responses. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome: Proportion of GPs who adapted their practice. Secondary outcome: GPs' characteristics related to organisational changes. RESULTS: Among the 7481 responses, 5425 were complete and were analysed. 3849 GPs (70.9%) changed their activity, 3605 GPs (66.5%) increased remote consultations and 2315 GPs (42.7%) created a specific pathway for probable patients with COVID-19. Among the 3849 GPs (70.9%) who changed their practice, 3306 (91.7%) gave more answers by phone, 996 (27.6%) by email and 1105 (30.7%) increased the use of video consultations. GPs working in multi-professional group practices were more likely to have changed their activity since the beginning of the epidemic wave than GPs working in mono-professional group or single medical practices (adjusted OR: 1.32, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.56, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: French GPs adapted their practices regarding access to care for patients in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic. This adaptation was higher in multi-professional group practices.

Predictive factors for non-participation or partial participation in breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening programmes†.

BACKGROUND: No study has investigated factors associated with non-participation or partial participation in the different combination patterns of screening programmes for all three cancers, that is, breast, colorectal and cervical cancer. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, we sought to describe combinations of cancer screening participation rates among women in the Val-de-Marne area of France and to identify individual and contextual factors associated with non-participation or partial participation. RESULTS: Women aged between 50 and 65 and who were eligible for all three screening programmes (n = 102 219) were analysed in multilevel logistic models, with the individual as the Level 1 variable and the place of residence as the Level 2 variable. The women who did not participate in any of the screening programmes were 34.4%, whereas 30.1%, 24% and 11.5% participated in one, two or all three screening programmes, respectively. Age below 55, a previous false-positive mammography, prior opportunistic mammography only, no previous mammography, membership of certain health insurance schemes (all P < 0.05) and residence in a deprived area (P < 0.001) were independently associated with non-participation or partial participation. We observed a stronger effect of deprivation on non-participation in all three cancers than in combinations of screening programmes. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the health authorities should focus on improving cancer screenings in general rather than screenings for specific types of cancer, especially among younger women and those living in the most socially deprived areas.

Changes over time in attitudes towards the management of older patients with heart failure by general practitioners: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Underdiagnosis and undertreatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) are common in older patients, who are usually treated by general practitioners (GPs). In 2007, the French ICAGE study explored GPs' attitudes to the management of this condition in older patients. OBJECTIVES: To explore changes over time in GPs' attitudes towards the management of CHF in patients aged ≥75 and to identify barriers to optimal management. METHODS: In 2015, we performed a qualitative study of 20 French GPs via semi-structured interviews and a thematic content analysis. The results were compared with the findings of a 2007 study. RESULTS: In 2015, the perceived barriers to diagnosis were the same as in 2007. Echocardiography was still the preferred diagnostic method but the GPs relied on the cardiologist to confirm the diagnosis. Many GPs were still unaware of the different types of CHF. In contrast, they reported greater knowledge of decompensation factors and the ultrasound criteria for CHF. They also prescribed a brain natriuretic peptide assay more frequently. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers were more strongly perceived to be core treatments. Few GPs initiated drug treatments and optimized dosages. Although patient education was never mentioned, the importance of multidisciplinary care was emphasized. CONCLUSION: Our results evidenced a small recent improvement in the management of older patients with CHF. Appropriate guidelines and training for GPs, patient education and multidisciplinary collaboration might further improve the care given to this population.

Written interprofessional communication in the context of home healthcare: A qualitative exploration of Swiss perceptions and practices.

The aim of this study was to explore the practices and perceptions of Swiss home care professionals with regards to written interprofessional communication. We analyzed 11 home care notebooks and conducted six focus groups with home health-care professionals in 2015-2016. Interprofessional written communication was rarely explicit. Health professionals reported a lack of clarity about what to document and for whom. They felt unsure how to reconcile the need for confidential information-sharing among health professionals and the desire for patient/families' active involvement. An ideal (electronic) tool should allow patients to formulate goals and use the platform while allowing health professionals to communicate confidentially among themselves in order to avoid information retention.

[Video games and smartphones : what impacts on cognitive capacities ?] / Jeux vidéo et smartphones : quels impacts sur les capacités cognitives ?

Age-related changes in mental health are an important concern in today's world. Researchers have investigated the effects of video games on mental health for the past 30 years but research on the cognitive impact of smartphones is just beginning. Studies have shown contradictory results and need to be interpreted with caution. Users should be made aware of current knowledge on their potential risks and benefits, without demonizing these relatively new technologies. They should learn how to take advantage of the great potential of these modern devices (they can for example enhance curiosity, sense of purpose and creativity) without becoming enslaved by them.

La santé mentale dans le vieillissement est une source importante d'appréhension dans le monde d'aujourd'hui. Tandis que la recherche sur les effets des jeux vidéo sur la santé mentale est menée depuis une trentaine d'années, celle portant sur les smartphones est balbutiante. Bien qu'ils fassent souvent l'actualité, les résultats des études sont discordants et sont à considérer avec prudence. Sans diaboliser ces technologies, notre tâche est aussi de sensibiliser la population aux potentielles dérives. Nous devons apprendre à nous en servir pour exploiter les innombrables possibilités sans en devenir esclave (par exemple, ces nouvelles technologies peuvent être source de capacités utiles telles que la créativité, la curiosité, la persévérance dans la réalisation d'un objectif).

[Talking with parents about vaccines, a challenge for the primary care physician]. / Parler vaccination aux parents : un défi pour le médecin de premier recours.

In order to improve vaccine coverage of children in Switzerland, physicians hold an essential role in communicating with hesitating parents. To do so, they must have well-referenced knowledge and provide written information to parents. They may also need sometimes to negotiate individual, more flexible, childhood immunization plans. Parents are faced with a wide range of information via the internet and the media, some of which pledges against vaccination. Physicians must be prepared and have knowledge of the main arguments set forward by anti-vaccine movements before discussing with parents. The use of techniques such as adding a personal touch to the discussion, or adapting the principles of motivational interviewing to immunization will help physician guiding the parent towards an informed choice, favorable to the child's vaccination.

Afin d'améliorer la couverture vaccinale des enfants en Suisse, le médecin a un rôle à jouer dans la communication auprès du ou des parents hésitants. Pour cela, il doit avoir des connaissances bien référencées et transmettre de la documentation écrite. Négocier un plan de vaccination plus souple, individualisé à l'enfant peut s'avérer parfois nécessaire. Beaucoup d'informations contre la vaccination circulent sur internet et dans les médias. Le médecin doit y être préparé et connaître les principaux arguments des mouvements antivaccins pour pouvoir en discuter avec les parents qui y sont réceptifs. Utiliser des techniques comme l'ajout d'une touche personnelle à son discours ou adapter l'entretien motivationnel à la vaccination aidera le médecin à guider les parents vers un choix informé et éclairé favorable à la vaccination de leur enfant.

Effect of reminders mailed to general practitioners on colorectal cancer screening adherence: a cluster-randomized trial.

Reminders have been used in various settings, but failed to produce convincing evidence of benefits on patient adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of sending general practitioners (GPs) printed reminders about CRC screening. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 144 GPs in the Val-de-Marne district (France), who provided care for any reason to 20 778 patients eligible for CRC screening between June 2010 and November 2011. Data were collected from the main statutory health-insurance programme and local cancer screening agency. GPs were randomly assigned in a 1 : 1 proportion to the intervention or the control group. Every 4 months, intervention-group GPs received a computer-generated printed list of patients who had not performed scheduled faecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening. The primary outcome was patient adherence to FOBT screening or exclusion from CRC screening for medical reasons. The screening adherence rate was 31.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 30.3-32.1] in the control group and 32.9% (95% CI 32.0-33.8) in the intervention group [crude relative risk, 1.05 (95% CI 1.01-1.09), P<0.01]. This rate was not significantly different between groups by multilevel modelling accounting for clustering and confounding variables [adjusted relative risk, 1.07 (95% CI 0.95-1.20), P=0.27]. Computer-generated printed reminders sent to GPs did not significantly improve patient adherence to organized CRC screening by the FOBT.

[Restructuring of ambulatory care in France: proposals for the management of hypertensive patients]. / Restructuration des soins ambulatoires en France: propositions de gestion des patients hypertendus.

One of the factors responsible for the creation of multidisciplinary health centres is the growth of outpatient management of multiple chronic conditions. Based on a classification of hypertensive patients into eight groups, the authors discuss the interrelations between health care organization and modification of management. They discuss the effects of modification of health care structures and the need to create new job positions for the purposes of coordination, support of patients in the form of therapeutic education and support ofyoung professionals in multidisciplinary practice. External effects are improvement of office-hospital flows, especially with the development of second-line consultant roles and improved management of patient admissions and discharges. However, to ensure sustainable changes, there must be a change of mentalities with new modalities of remuneration of private practitioners and development of the health information system.

[Cervical cancer screening: women's knowledge and participation]. / Dépistage du cancer du col de l'utérus?: connaissances et participation des femmes.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess women's knowledge of cervical cancer screening, to examine the relationship between knowledge and screening participation, and to gain a better insight into GP involvement in screening. METHOD: A telephone survey was conducted on a random sample of women aged 25-65 years living in Val-d'Oise, France. RESULTS: 117 women responded to the survey. The results show that women were often not aware of screening modalities, although participation was high in 87.9 % of cases. Knowing that cervical smears (CS) can be performed in a medical laboratory and that HPV-vaccinated women should undergo screening were significantly associated with high participation. Women who had consulted a gynaecologist in the last 12 months were also significantly more likely to participate in screening. According to 64.1% of the respondents, the question of screening had never been discussed in GP consultations. Only 6.8% of the women had had a cervical smear performed by a GP, although most of the women (59.8%) felt that GPs should be more involved in cervical smear testing. CONCLUSION: Increased knowledge of cervical cancer screening among women may help to increase participation in screening. The study suggests that GPs should be more involved in cervical cancer screening and that their role in providing prevention information to female patients should be promoted.

Understanding barriers to organized breast cancer screening in France: women's perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge.

BACKGROUND: The participation rate in organized breast cancer screening in France is lower than recommended. Non-participants either use opportunistic screening or do not use either screening modality. OBJECTIVE: To assess any differences in perceptions, attitudes and knowledge related to breast cancer screening between users of opportunistic screening and non-users of any screening mammograms and to identify potential barriers to participation in organized screening. METHODS: Six focus groups were conducted in May 2010 with 34 French non-participants in organized screening, 15 who used opportunistic screening (OpS group) and 19 who used no screening (NoS group). The guide used for both groups explored perceptions and attitudes related to health, cancer and screening; perceptions of femininity; and knowledge about breast cancer screening. Thematic content analysis was performed. RESULTS: Perceptions, attitudes and knowledge differed between the two groups. Women in the OpS group perceived a high susceptibility to breast cancer, visited their gynaecologist regularly, were unfamiliar with organized screening modalities and had doubts about its quality. NoS women had very high- or low-perceived susceptibility to breast cancer, knew about screening modalities, had doubts about its usefulness and expressed negative opinions of mammograms. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in perceptions and attitudes related to breast cancer screening partially explain why some women choose opportunistic screening or no screening. General practitioners and gynaecologists are in a unique position to provide individually tailored preventative messages to improve participation in organized screening.

Improving participation in colorectal cancer screening: targets for action.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine whether physician-related factors influenced patient participation in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs and to identify patient characteristics associated with lower participation in order to facilitate the development of targeted actions to improve participation. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a French department during its first CRC screening campaign from June 2007 to May 2010. Data for 157,766 patients followed by 903 general practitioners (GPs) were analyzed. Patient participation was assessed using multilevel logistic modeling. RESULTS: The overall participation rate was 30% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 29.8-30.2) and varied across the 903 GPs from 0% to 75.5% (median, 30; interquartile range, 24-35). Inter-GP variance explained only 5.5% of the participation rate variance. Participation was significantly lower in males (odds ratio [OR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.78-0.91), the youngest age group (55-59 years, OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.58-0.63), and patients living in socioeconomically deprived areas (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.77-0.87). CONCLUSION: Targeted actions to improve CRC screening participation should focus on patients younger than 60 years, males, and individuals living in deprived areas. Actions to enhance the influence of GPs on patient participation should be directed to the overall population of GPs.