Reasons for No Colonoscopy After an Unfavorable Screening Result in Dutch Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Nationwide Questionnaire.

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess participant-reported factors associated with non-follow-up with colonoscopy in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. METHODS: In May 2019, we distributed a nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire (n = 4,009) to participants in the Dutch CRC screening program who received a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Among respondents who reported no colonoscopy, we assessed the presence of a contraindication, and those without were compared with those who reported colonoscopy by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 2,225 respondents (56% response rate), 730 (33%) reported no colonoscopy. A contraindication was reported by 55% (n = 404). Decisional difficulties (odds ratio [OR] = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.18-0.47), lacking the opportunity to discuss the FIT outcome (OR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28-0.72), and a low estimated risk of CRC (OR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.26-0.76) were negatively associated with follow-up. Knowledge items negatively associated with follow-up included having an alternative explanation for the positive FIT (OR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.21-0.43), having trust in the ability to self-detect CRC (OR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.27-0.65), and thinking that polyp removal is ineffective (OR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.43-0.82). The belief that the family physician would support colonoscopy showed the strongest positive association with follow-up (OR = 2.84; 95% CI, 2.01-4.02) CONCLUSIONS: Because decisional difficulties and certain convictions regarding CRC and screening are associated with non-follow-up, personalized screening counseling might be an intervention worth exploring as a means of improving follow-up in the Dutch CRC screening program. Involving family physicians might also prove beneficial.

Lower Likelihood of Burnout Among Family Physicians From Underrepresented Racial-Ethnic Groups.

PURPOSE: We investigated whether physician race and ethnicity were associated with burnout among a nationally representative sample of family physicians. METHODS: We undertook a cross-sectional observational study using survey data from 1,510 American Board of Family Medicine recertification applicants in 2017 and 1,586 respondents to the 2017 National Graduate Survey. Of the 3,096 total family physicians, 450 (15%) were from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine. We used structural equation models to test the effects of underrepresented status on single-item measures of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. RESULTS: Family physicians underrepresented in medicine were significantly less likely than their non-underrepresented counterparts to report emotional exhaustion (adjusted odds ratio = 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69-0.99; total effect) and depersonalization (adjusted odds ratio = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.41-0.71; total effect). The underrepresented physicians were more likely than non-underrepresented peers to practice in more racially and ethnically diverse counties and less likely to practice obstetrics, both of which partly mediated the protective effect of underrepresented status on depersonalization. CONCLUSIONS: Although factors such as racism might be expected to adversely affect the well-being of underrepresented clinicians, underrepresented family physicians reported a lower frequency of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. The mediating protective effect of working in more racially and ethnically diverse counties is consistent with evidence of the beneficial effect of cultural diversity on health outcomes for minorities. Because physician burnout is a known predictor of job turnover and may also be associated with poorer quality of care, the lower burnout observed among underrepresented family physicians may be an asset for the health care system as a whole.

How are family doctors serving the Hong Kong community during the COVID-19 outbreak? A survey of HKCFP members.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the preparedness of family doctors during the early phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Hong Kong. METHODS: All members of the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey using a 20-item questionnaire to collect information on practice preparedness for the COVID-19 outbreak through an email followed by a reminder SMS message between 31 January 2020 and 3 February 2020. RESULTS: Of 1589 family doctors invited, 491 (31%) participated in the survey, including 242 (49%) from private sector. In all, 98% surveyed doctors continued to provide clinical services during the survey period, but reduced clinic service demands were observed in 45% private practices and 24% public clinics. Almost all wore masks during consultation and washed hands between or before patient contact. Significantly more private than public doctors (80% vs 26%, P<0.001) experienced difficulties in stocking personal protective equipment (PPE); more public doctors used guidelines to manage suspected patients. The main concern of the respondents was PPE shortage. Respondents appealed for effective public health interventions including border control, quarantine measures, designated clinic setup, and public education. CONCLUSION: Family doctors from public and private sectors demonstrated preparedness to serve the community from the early phase of the COVID-19 outbreak with heightened infection control measures and use of guidelines. However, there is a need for support from local health authorities to secure PPE supply and institute public health interventions.

Change in Site of Children's Primary Care: A Longitudinal Population-Based Analysis.

PURPOSE: Evidence that fewer children are being seen at family physician (FP) practices has not been confirmed using population-level data. This study examines the proportion of children seen at FP and pediatrician practices over time and the influence of patient demographics and rurality on this trend. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal analysis of Vermont all-payer claims (2009-2016) for children aged 0 to 21 years. The sample included 184,794 children with 2 or more claims over 8 years. Generalized estimating equations modeled the outcome of child attribution to a FP practice annually, with covariates for calendar year, child age, sex, insurance, and child Rural Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) category. RESULTS: Over time, controlling for other covariates, children were 5% less likely to be attributed to a FP practice (P <.001). Children had greater odds of attribution to a FP practice as they aged (odds ratio (OR) = 1.11, 95% CI, 1.10-1.11), if they were female (OR = 1.05, 95% CI, 1.03-1.07) or had Medicaid (OR = 1.09, 95% CI, 1.07-1.10). Compared with urban children, those from large rural cities (OR = 1.54, 95% CI, 1.51-1.57), small rural towns (OR = 1.45, 95% CI, 1.42-1.48), or isolated/small rural towns (OR = 1.96, 95% CI, 1.93-2.00) had greater odds of FP attribution. When stratified by RUCA, however, children had 3% lower odds of attending a FP practice in urban areas and 8% lower odds in isolated/small rural towns. CONCLUSIONS: The declining proportion of children attending FP practices, confirmed in this population-based analysis and more pronounced in rural areas, represents a continuing challenge.

Development of Primary Care Research in North America, Europe, and Australia From 1974 to 2017.

Research is a necessity for high-quality medicine. We used the MEDLINE database to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research output with respect to primary care by 21 countries. For the period 1974 to 2017, the United States and the United Kingdom stood out in terms of publication volume, and the UK, Canada, and Australia had the greatest percentage of publications in primary care. As of 2017, publications in primary care represented a small proportion of total publications. The countries with the greatest publication productivity possess factors that should be considered with respect to strengthening research in primary care.

Area deprivation and attachment to a general practitioner through centralized waiting lists: a cross-sectional study in Quebec, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Access to primary healthcare is an important social determinant of health and having a regular general practitioner (GP) has been shown to improve access. In Canada, socio-economically disadvantaged patients are more likely to be unattached (i.e. not have a regular GP). In the province of Quebec, where over 30% of the population is unattached, centralized waiting lists were implemented to help patients find a GP. Our objectives were to examine the association between social and material deprivation and 1) likelihood of attachment, and 2) wait time for attachment to a GP through centralized waiting lists. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five local health networks in Quebec, Canada, using clinical administrative data of patients attached to a GP between June 2013 and May 2015 (n = 24, 958 patients) and patients remaining on the waiting list as of May 2015 (n = 49, 901), using clinical administrative data. Social and material area deprivation indexes were used as proxies for patients' socio-economic status. Multiple regressions were carried out to assess the association between deprivation indexes and 1) likelihood of attachment to a GP and 2) wait time for attachment. Analyses controlled for sex, age, local health network and variables related to health needs. RESULTS: Patients from materially medium, disadvantaged and very disadvantaged areas were underrepresented on the centralized waiting lists, while patients from socially disadvantaged and very disadvantaged areas were overrepresented. Patients from very materially advantaged and advantaged areas were less likely to be attached to a GP than patients from very disadvantaged areas. With the exception of patients from socially disadvantaged areas, all other categories of social deprivation were more likely to be attached to a GP compared to patients from very disadvantaged areas. We found a pro-rich gradient in wait time for attachment to a GP, with patients from more materially advantaged areas waiting less than those from disadvantaged areas. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that there are socio-economic inequities in attachment to a GP through centralized waiting lists. Policy makers should take these findings into consideration to adjust centralized waiting list processes to avoid further exacerbation of health inequities.

[Medical services for nursing home residents : Results of the study on inappropriate medication in patients with renal insufficiency in nursing homes]. / Ärztliche Versorgung von Pflegeheimbewohnern : Ergebnisse der Studie "Inappropriate medication in patients with renal insufficiency in nursing homes".

BACKGROUND: In Germany approximately 800,000 people are living in nursing homes. Outpatient medical treatment is provided by general practitioners (GP) and a variety of medical specialists. While nearly all residents have regular contact with GPs, care by specialists differs between the various disciplines. AIM: In this study an assessment of medical treatment for nursing home residents by GPs and specialists was made and compared with the available diagnoses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between October 2014 and April 2015 a cross-sectional study was conducted in nursing homes in Bremen and the surrounding areas. Anonymized data based on residents' files were collated by nursing staff. Every contact with various specialists within the preceding 12 months was assessed and grouped into (a) no physician visit, (b) resident visited physician and (c) physician visited resident. Analyses were stratified for age, sex and level of care dependency as well as dementia and further comorbidities. RESULTS: A total of 852 residents in 21 nursing homes were included (mean age 83.5 years, 76.5 % female) in the study. Dementia was diagnosed in 57.7 %. Nearly all residents had had contact with their GP in the previous 12 months, mostly by home visits (96.9 %). The majority (54.5 %) had not seen a dentist in the preceding 12 months and 25.4 % had been visited by a dentist. Of the residents 47.4 % were visited by a neurologist or psychiatrist but only 4.5 % visited these specialists in their practice. Higher care dependency and younger age were associated with more frequent visits by neurologists and psychiatrists. Contact rates to ophthalmologists (29.3 %) and urologists (20.5 %) were less frequent. A diagnosis of diabetes mellitus had no influence on the contact rate with ophthalmologists. CONCLUSION: Medical care by specialists is characterized by huge variations. Besides a frequent contact rate with GPs there seems to be an undersupply regarding care by dentists and ophthalmologists.

[Burnout syndrome among family physicians]. / Síndrome de agotamiento profesional en los médicos familiares.

BACKGROUND: burnout syndrome is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that can occur among workers who interact directly with others. This could affect job performance. The objective was to determine the prevalence of this syndrome and its associated factors among family physicians. METHODS: a cross-sectional survey applying the Maslach Burnout Inventory was conducted in a selected convenience non-probability sampling of family physicians. Central tendency and dispersion measures were used in determining the prevalence of burnout syndrome; the associated factors were analysed by χ(2) test. RESULTS: there were 59 cases of burnout syndrome, 36 had involvement in a single component, 15 in 2 and 8 were affected in 3 components; we observed that 35 % of positive cases reported doing an average of 10 extra shifts a month (p = 0.013). Having a second job was associated with positive cases of burnout syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: the results are consistent with similar studies. Working extra shifts or having a second job were the related factors most associated to this syndrome.

Introducción: el síndrome de agotamiento profesional es un estado de agotamiento físico y emocional que puede presentarse en trabajadores que interactúan con otras personas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue conocer la prevalencia de este síndrome y los factores relacionados en médicos familiares de Mérida, Yucatán, México. Métodos: se realizó una encuesta transversal en la que se aplicó el Maslach Burnout Inventory a médicos familiares seleccionados mediante muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. Se analizaron las medidas de tendencia central y dispersión y se determinó la prevalencia del síndrome de agotamiento profesional. La significación estadística de los factores asociados se determinó mediante χ2. Resultados: se obtuvieron 59 casos de síndrome de agotamiento profesional: 36 con afectación en un componente del Maslach Burnout Inventory, 15 en dos y ocho en los tres. El 35 % de los casos indicó trabajar en promedio 10 turnos extra al mes (p = 0.013); tener un segundo trabajo también se relacionó con el síndrome. Conclusiones: los resultados son consistentes con los obtenidos en estudios similares. Trabajar turnos extra o tener otro trabajo fueron los factores relacionados con el síndrome de agotamiento profesional.

Absolute cardiovascular risk assessment by Australian early-career general practitioners: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and associations of general practice registrars' performing absolute cardio-vascular risk (ACVR) assessment (ACVRa). DESIGN: A cross-sectional study employing data (2017-2018) from the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training project, an ongoing inception cohort study of Australian GP registrars. The outcome measure was whether an ACVRa was performed. Analyses employed univariable and multivariable regression. Analysis was conducted for all patient problems/diagnoses, then for an 'at-risk' population (specific problems/diagnoses for which ACVRa is indicated). SETTING: Three GP regional training organisations (RTOs) across three Australian states. PARTICIPANTS: GP registrars training within participating RTOs. RESULTS: 1003 registrars (response rate 96.8%) recorded details of 69 105 problems either with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait patients aged 35 years and older or with non-Indigenous patients aged 45 years and older. Of these problems/diagnoses, 1721 (2.5% (95% CI 2.4% to 2.6%)) involved an ACVRa. An ACVRa was 'plausibly indicated' in 10 384 problems/diagnoses. Of these, 1228 (11.8% (95% CI 11.2% to 12.4%)) involved ACVRa. For 'all problems/diagnoses', on multivariable analysis female gender was associated with reduced odds of ACVRa (OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.68)). There was some evidence for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people being more likely to receive ACVRa (OR 1.40 (95% CI 0.94 to 2.08), p=0.10). There were associations with variables related to continuity of care, with reduced odds of ACVRa: if the patient was new to the registrar (OR 0.65 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.75)), new to the practice (OR 0.24 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.38)) or the problem was new (OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.78)); and increased odds if personal follow-up was organised (OR 1.43 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.66)). For 'ACVRa indicated' problems/diagnoses, findings were similar to those for 'all problems/diagnoses'. Association with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status, however, was significant at p<0.05 (OR 1.60 (95% CI 1.04 to 2.46)) and association with female gender was attenuated (OR 0.88 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.01)). CONCLUSION: Continuity of care is associated with registrars assessing ACVR, reinforcing the importance of care continuity in general practice. Registrars' assessment of an individual patient's ACVR is targeted to patients with individual risk factors, but this may entail ACVRa underutilisation in female patients and younger age groups.

Effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of behaviour change tools used by family doctors: a global systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Priority patients in primary care include people from low-income, rural, or culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and First Nations people. AIM: To describe the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of behaviour change tools that have been tested by family doctors working with priority patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: A global systematic review. METHOD: Five databases were searched for studies published from 2000 to 2021, of any design, that tested the effectiveness or feasibility of tangible, publicly available behaviour change tools used by family doctors working with priority patients. The methodological quality of each study was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: Thirteen of 4931 studies screened met the eligibility criteria, and described 12 tools. The health-related behaviours targeted included smoking, diet and/or physical activity, alcohol and/or drug use, and suicidal ideation. Six tools had an online/web/app-based focus; the remaining six utilised only printed materials and/or in-person training. The effectiveness of the tools was assessed in 11 studies, which used diverse methods, with promising results for enabling behaviour change. The nine studies that assessed feasibility found that the tools were easy to use and enhanced the perceived quality of care. CONCLUSION: Many of the identified behaviour change tools were demonstrated to be effective at facilitating change in a target behaviour and/or feasible for use in practice. The tools varied across factors, such as the mode of delivery and the way the tool was intended to influence behaviour. There is clear opportunity to build on existing tools to enable family doctors to assist priority patients towards achieving healthier lifestyles.

Influenza presentations and use of neuraminidase inhibitors by Australian general practice registrars: a cross-sectional analysis from the ReCEnT study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to establish prevalence and associations of (1) influenza and influenza-like illness (IILI) presentations to Australian general practice (GP) registrars (trainees) and (2) the use of neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) by GP registrars for new presentations of IILI, for the 10 years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia (2010-2019). DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional analysis of the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training ongoing inception cohort study of the in-consultation experience and clinical behaviours of GP registrars. Data are collected by individual registrars three times (from 60 consecutive consultations each time) at 6 monthly intervals. Data include diagnoses/problems managed and medicines prescribed, along with multiple other variables. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to establish associations of registrars seeing patients with IILI and of prescribing NAIs for IILI. SETTING: Teaching practices within the Australian general practitioner specialist vocational training programme. Practices were located in five of the six Australian states (plus one territory). PARTICIPANTS: GP registrars in each of their three compulsory 6-month GP training terms. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2019, 0.2% of diagnoses/problems seen by registrars were IILI. 15.4% of new IILI presentations were prescribed an NAI. IILI diagnoses were less likely in younger (0-14) and older (65+) age groups, and more likely in an area of higher socioeconomic advantage. There was considerable variation in NAI prescribing between regions. There was no significant association of prescribing NAIs with age or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients. CONCLUSIONS: IILI presentations were more likely among working-age adults and not among those groups at higher risk. Similarly, high-risk patient groups who would benefit most were not more likely to receive NAIs. The epidemiology and management of IILI has been distorted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the burden of influenza in vulnerable populations must not be overlooked. Appropriately targeted antiviral therapy with NAIs influences outcomes for vulnerable patients. General practitioners manage the majority of IILI in Australia, and understanding GP IILI presentation and NAI prescribing patterns is a key first step to enabling sound and rational prescribing decisions for better patient outcomes.

Biopsy of Canada's family physician shortage.

Family physicians provide comprehensive care for the community and are an integral part of the healthcare system. Canada is experiencing a shortage of family physicians, driven in part by overbearing expectations of family physicians, limited support and resources, antiquated physician compensation, and high clinic operating costs. An additional factor contributing to this scarcity is the shortage of medical school and family medicine residency spots, which have not kept pace with population demand. We analysed and compared data on provincial populations and numbers of physicians, residency spots and medical school seats across Canada. Family physician shortages are the highest in the territories (>55%), Quebec (21.5%) and British Columbia (17.7%). Among the provinces, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia have the fewest family physicians per 100 000 persons in the population. Among the provinces that offer medical education, British Columbia and Ontario have the fewest medical school seats per population, while Quebec has the most. British Columbia has the smallest medical class size and the least number of family medicine residency spots as a function of population, and one of the highest percentages of provincial residents without family doctors. Paradoxically, Quebec has a relatively large medical class size and a high number of family medicine residency spots as a function of population, but also one of the highest percentages of provincial residents without family doctors. Possible strategies to improve the current shortage include encouraging Canadian medical students and international medical graduates to consider family medicine, and reducing administrative burdens for current physicians. Other steps include creating a national data framework, understanding physician needs to guide effective policy changes, increasing seats in medical schools and family residency programmes, providing financial incentives and facilitating entry into family medicine for international medical graduates.

Doctors' experiences when treating doctor-patients: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: To work effectively, doctors need to look after themselves. They often delay seeking medical care for a range of reasons. Once they do, there is evidence that the doctors treating them ('treating doctors') can struggle to provide optimal care. AIM: To examine existing literature on what is currently known about experiences for treating doctors, in particular GPs, when their patient is also a doctor. DESIGN & SETTING: A scoping review of articles written in English. METHOD: Using the JBI methodological framework for scoping reviews, five databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL [Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health], Google Scholar, and Scopus) were searched from the database start date until 31 December 2022. Qualitative and quantitative studies reporting the treating doctor's experience, guidelines for treating doctors, expert opinion articles, and editorials were included. Grey literature was considered, searching the first 10 pages of two Google searches. RESULTS: Forty-eight articles from eight countries met inclusion criteria, of which 12 were research studies. The main areas of focus were as follows: affective responses, which included anxiety about being criticised, concern about upsetting the doctor-patient, and discomfort regarding the acknowledgement that doctors get sick; relational factors, which included boundary issues, over-identifying with the doctor-patient, treating them as a colleague rather than a patient, and role ambiguity; confidentiality, which incorporated both affective and relational aspects; and influence of medical culture and socialisation on dynamics between treating doctor and doctor-patient. These findings have been distilled into a list of key suggestions for the treating doctor. CONCLUSION: Doctors can find treating doctor-patients anxiety-provoking and challenging. The sources of this discomfort are multifaceted, and more empirical research is needed to better understand and address the complex relationship between treating doctor and doctor-patient.

Impact of Australian general practice alcohol and other drugs education: a qualitative evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Many GPs are challenged to deliver safe and effective care for patients who use alcohol and other drugs (AOD). The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) developed the AOD GP Education Programme to support Australian GPs and optimise AOD care in the community. How the programme impacted GP participants is not yet fully understood. AIM: To explore the views and experiences of GP participants who completed the AOD GP Education Programme, and AOD experts who were involved in the programme as a presenter or mentor. DESIGN & SETTING: Situated in the constructivist paradigm, this qualitive descriptive study engaged GPs across Australia. METHOD: This study employed semi-structured, online, focus groups interviews. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Five focus groups were held with a total of 35 GP participants. Five themes developed, which illustrated that the study participants viewed the programme design as comprehensive and flexible. It has also been shown that participants' individual learning needs were addressed. Impacts of the programme on clinical practice included the following: confidence to care for patients who use AOD; confidence to collaborate with colleagues in delivery of AOD care; confidence to develop AOD professional networks in their community setting; and confidence to manage complex AOD presentations. CONCLUSION: Participants described the AOD programme as a high quality and positive educational experience. The prioritisation of core treatment skills (whole-person care and structured approaches to behavioural change) was a feature of the professional development programme. The AOD programme design is a practical model to implement for future AOD GP education and continuing professional development.

[Communicative competence in family physicians in a family medicine unit]. / Competencia comunicativa de médicos familiares en una unidad de medicina familiar.

Background: Communication in the health field is essential, since it depends on it that the physician has complete and accurate information to carry out the fulfillment of his functions. The relationship with the medical staff leads the patient to feel listened to and cared for, in order to understand their state of health. Objective: To know the perception of patients about the communicative competence of family physicians during the consult at the Family Medicine Unit No. 27. Material and methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study that identifies patients who attended Family Medicine Unit No. 27 in Tijuana in September 2021. The Communication Assessment Tool was applied to participants to measure the perception of communicative competence of doctors. The responses obtained were collected and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: 200 patients who met selection criteria were studied, made up of patients on morning and afternoon shifts equally. 54.6% of the studied population considers the communicative competence of family doctors to be excellent. Conclusions: The communicative competence in the family physicians of the studied unit had a better result than others studies of several countries; however, it has areas of opportunity to optimize this competence, since medical knowledge must include the area of communication and interpersonal relationships.

Introducción: la comunicación en el ámbito de la salud es fundamental, pues de ella depende que el médico cuente con información completa y precisa para realizar el cumplimiento de sus funciones. La vinculación con el personal médico conlleva al paciente a sentirse escuchado y atendido, a fin de que se comprenda su estado de salud. Objetivo: conocer la percepción de los pacientes acerca de la competencia comunicativa de los médicos familiares durante la consulta en la Unidad de Medicina Familiar No. 27. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo y transversal en el que se identifica a pacientes que acudieron a la Unidad de Medicina Familiar No. 27 de Tijuana en septiembre de 2021. Se aplicó el instrumento Communication Assessment Tool a participantes para medir la percepción de la competencia comunicativa de los médicos. Se recolectaron las respuestas obtenidas y se analizaron con estadística descriptiva. Resultados: se estudiaron 200 pacientes que cumplieron criterios de selección, conformados por pacientes de turno matutino y vespertino equitativamente. El 54.6% de la población estudiada considera excelente la competencia comunicativa de los médicos familiares. Conclusiones: la competencia comunicativa en los médicos familiares de la unidad estudiada tuvo un mejor resultado que el de varios países; sin embargo, cuenta con áreas de oportunidad para optimizarla, ya que el conocimiento médico debe incluir el rubro de de comunicación y relaciones interpersonales.

Development and validation of the scale for measuring biopsychosocial approach of family physicians to their patients.

OBJECTIVE: While other models focus more on disease and pathophysiology, the biopsychosocial approach emphasises the importance of human health and disease in their fullest contexts. If we are to gain an insight into physical and psychological health needs, and address them quickly and adequately, it is important that we recognise them already at the family practice stage. An approach that assesses needs at patient level could also be seen as patient-centred care, which is one of the key elements of high-quality care. To the best of our knowledge, no scale for measuring the biopsychosocial approach of family physicians has yet been developed. DESIGN: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a scale that measures the biopsychosocial approach of family physicians to their patients through the Delphi and validation process. SETTING: The scale was developed through the Delphi study and validated by means of significant statistical methods. Pearson's correlation coefficient, Cronbach's alpha, the intracorrelation coefficient, the Spearman-Brown coefficient and exploratory factor analysis were applied. PARTICIPANTS: Five family physicians took part in a brainstorming process and 24 family medicine experts took part in the Delphi study. For the first part of the validation process, there were 31 family medicine trainees in the first group and 32 in the second group. For the last part of the validation process, 164 family physicians completed the scale. RESULT: Through the Delphi study, 39 final items covering three areas within the biopsychosocial approach were identified. Construct validity was high, with positive linear correlation and good face validity. The intraclass correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was 0.862. The Spearman-Brown coefficient was the highest (0.931) on an even and odd division. Factor rotation showed that three factors on 35 items explained 39.5% of variances. The final internal consistency on 35 items was 0.911. CONCLUSION: The developed scale measures the biopsychosocial dimension of family physicians' work with high Cronbach's alpha measures and good validity.

Acceptability of a task sharing and shifting model between family physicians and physiotherapists in French multidisciplinary primary healthcare centres: a cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: The rising prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders increases pressure on primary care services. In France, patients with musculoskeletal disorders are referred to physiotherapist (PT) by family physician (FP). To improve access to musculoskeletal care, a new model of task sharing and shifting is implemented between FPs and PTs for patients with acute low back pain. This new model enables French PTs to expand their usual scope of practice by receiving patients as first-contact practitioner, diagnosing low back pain, prescribing sick leave and analgesic medication. The aim of this study is to investigate the acceptability of FPs and PTs regarding this new model. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design was used. Acceptability was measured using a questionnaire on the perception of the model and the perception of PTs' skills to manage low back pain. Descriptive analyses were performed to compare results among participants. SETTING: French FPs and PTs working in multidisciplinary primary healthcare centres were invited to complete an online survey. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 174 respondents completed the survey (81 FPs and 85 PTs). RESULTS: A majority of participants had a positive perception of the task sharing and shifting model. A majority of the participants were mostly or totally favourable towards the implementation of the model (FPs: n=46, 82% and PTs: n=40, 82%). The perceived level of competencies of PTs to manage acute low back pain was high. The confidence level of FPs was higher than that of PTs regarding PTs' ability to adequately diagnose low back pain, refer patient to physiotherapy and prescribe sick leave or analgesic medication. CONCLUSION: Based on this limited sample of participants, there appears to be good acceptability of the task sharing and shifting model for acute low back pain. Additional studies are needed to better determine the factors affecting the acceptability of such a model.

Characterising generalism in clinical practice: a systematic mixed studies review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Generalist physician care is associated with improved patient outcomes. Despite initiatives to promote generalism in educational settings, recruitment to generalist disciplines remains less than required to serve societal needs. Increasingly this impacts not just general practice but also generalist specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, and paediatrics. One potential factor for this deficit is a lack of explicit attention to generalism as a praxis, including clarifying key aspects of generalist expertise. AIM: To examine empirical clinical literature on generalism, and characterise how generalism is described and delivered by physicians in primary and secondary care. DESIGN & SETTING: A systematic mixed studies review (SMSR) including quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods studies, and systematic reviews of physician generalist practice. METHOD: MEDLINE, Psycinfo, SocINDEX, Embase, Ovid HealthSTAR, Scopus, and Web of Science will be searched for English language studies from 1999 to present, using a structured search. Given study heterogeneity, quality appraisal will not be performed. Two reviewers will perform study selection for each study. Data extraction will focus on how generalism is defined and characterised, including the clinical care provided by generalists and patient experiences of generalist care. Quantitative and qualitative data will be summarised in tabular and narrative form. Convergent synthesis design will then be used to synthesise quantitative and qualitative data. CONCLUSION: Findings will characterise generalism and generalist practice from a grassroots clinical perspective. By identifying similarities and differences across generalist disciplines, this work will inform more focused educational initiatives on generalism at undergraduate and postgraduate level, including collaborations between generalist disciplines.

Perspectives on expert generalist practice among Japanese family doctor educators: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Expert generalist practice (EGP) is increasingly being viewed as the defining expertise of generalist care. In Japan, several prominent family doctors consider it important and relevant in the Japanese context. However, no study has examined Japanese family doctor educators' perceptions of EGP. AIM: To explore Japanese family doctor educators' perceptions of EGP. DESIGN & SETTING: A qualitative study among family doctor educators in Japan. METHOD: Focus group interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide following a short lecture on EGP. A qualitative description method was adopted and the framework method was used to conduct thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants were 18 family medicine doctor educators, including 11 directors and six associate directors of family medicine training programmes. The results suggested that the concept of EGP was important and applicable to primary care in Japan. Participants' perceptions on EGP pertained to the following four areas: impact of EGP, triggers for EGP, enablers for EGP, and educational strategies for EGP. CONCLUSION: The concept of EGP may be useful in clinical practice in Japan, especially in complex patient care. A clearer framework for or description of EGP, and of non-traditional methods, such as ascetic practice and awareness of the self, were proposed as possible educational strategies.