Public perception of dermatologists in France: results from a population-based national survey.
Journal
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
ISSN: 1468-3083
Titre abrégé: J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol
Pays: England
ID NLM: 9216037
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Aug 2019
Aug 2019
Historique:
received:
15
10
2018
accepted:
18
02
2019
pubmed:
6
3
2019
medline:
18
2
2020
entrez:
6
3
2019
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
The public perception of dermatologists, highly relevant for implementing strategies to improve dermatological care, has been scarcely investigated in France, in regard to the background where the number of active dermatologists is continuously decreasing. This study sought to investigate the French public's perception of dermatologists, as well as the physician-patient relationship in dermatology area. A sample of 5000 inhabitants (aged ≥15-80 years) of Metropolitan France, seeking medical advice for a skin condition, were invited in July 2018 to fill in a digital structured questionnaire. The sample's gender ratio and geographical distribution proved representative of the French general population. Compared to 33.2% of respondents having consulted a general practitioner (GP), 20.6% had consulted a dermatologist over the past 12 months, the main reasons being a chronic skin condition (37%), surgical intervention (18%) and naevi check-up (15%). When confronted with acute skin problems, survey participants stated their GP was the first healthcare reference (54% of cases). This may be explained by two distinct phenomena: the declining demography of dermatologists and specific peculiarities of the French healthcare system. Contrarily, the dermatologist was the first care provider for chronic skin problems (47% of cases). On answering the question whether they were satisfied with their last dermatological consultation, 76% declared to be very satisfied/satisfied, vs. 24% dissatisfied/very dissatisfied. Some 78% were given a prescription at consultation end, considered efficacious by 91% and well tolerated by 98%. Our study findings underline the central role of dermatologists in skin care as valued and trusted care providers in France. Further educational and political strategies appear warranted to improve patient referral to dermatologists and decrease waiting times, thereby improving patients' well-being and satisfaction, as well as care quality provided.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
The public perception of dermatologists, highly relevant for implementing strategies to improve dermatological care, has been scarcely investigated in France, in regard to the background where the number of active dermatologists is continuously decreasing.
OBJECTIVE
OBJECTIVE
This study sought to investigate the French public's perception of dermatologists, as well as the physician-patient relationship in dermatology area.
METHODS
METHODS
A sample of 5000 inhabitants (aged ≥15-80 years) of Metropolitan France, seeking medical advice for a skin condition, were invited in July 2018 to fill in a digital structured questionnaire.
RESULTS
RESULTS
The sample's gender ratio and geographical distribution proved representative of the French general population. Compared to 33.2% of respondents having consulted a general practitioner (GP), 20.6% had consulted a dermatologist over the past 12 months, the main reasons being a chronic skin condition (37%), surgical intervention (18%) and naevi check-up (15%). When confronted with acute skin problems, survey participants stated their GP was the first healthcare reference (54% of cases). This may be explained by two distinct phenomena: the declining demography of dermatologists and specific peculiarities of the French healthcare system. Contrarily, the dermatologist was the first care provider for chronic skin problems (47% of cases). On answering the question whether they were satisfied with their last dermatological consultation, 76% declared to be very satisfied/satisfied, vs. 24% dissatisfied/very dissatisfied. Some 78% were given a prescription at consultation end, considered efficacious by 91% and well tolerated by 98%.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
Our study findings underline the central role of dermatologists in skin care as valued and trusted care providers in France. Further educational and political strategies appear warranted to improve patient referral to dermatologists and decrease waiting times, thereby improving patients' well-being and satisfaction, as well as care quality provided.
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
1610-1615Subventions
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Organisme : Pfizer
Organisme : Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique
Organisme : Galderma
Organisme : Expanscience
Organisme : Bioderma
Organisme : Bailleul
Organisme : Leo Pharma
Organisme : Société Française de Dermatologie et de Pathologie Sexuellement Transmissible
Organisme : Lilly
Organisme : Novartis
Organisme : La Roche-Posay
Informations de copyright
© 2019 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.