Search

Background As an important part of the general practice team, assistant general practitioners undertake a lot of grassroots general practice work, but at present, there is no recognized national level assistant general practitioners post competency model to provide scientific basis for training qualified assistant general practitioners. Objective The competency of assistant general practitioners for China was constructed to provide support for the design of national assistant physician qualification examination, and provide theoretical basis for the training and evaluation of assistant general practitioners. Methods Based on the research group's previous literature research and behavioral event interviews, from September 2019 to January 2020, the entry pool was established, and 30 experts engaged in general practice were consulted by Delphi method for 2 rounds. The index and weight coefficient of the Chinese assistant general practitioner post competency model were determined by AHP. Results Six first-level indicators [the basic medical and health services (0.244 8), medical knowledge and life-long learning (0.244 8), and professional quality (0.244 8), interpersonal communication and team work (0.138 9), the basic public health services (0.085 8), the information utilization ability and management capacity (0.041 0) ] and 63 second-level indicators were finalized, and the weight coefficients of each indicator were defined. Conclusion This study constructs the post competency of assistant general practitioners for China for the first time, which has a high degree of expert representativeness and authority, and a more comprehensive and reasonable index selection, laying a foundation for the empirical study of the index system.

Background Primary care general practitioners encounter significant challenges in diagnosing and managing skin diseases, highlighting the urgent need for artificial intelligence (AI) assisted systems. Although AI has the potential to improve diagnostic and treatment efficiency, research on its application in primary care settings remains limited. Objective To investigate the effectiveness and impact of an AI-assisted system in supporting primary care general practitioners with the diagnosis and management of skin diseases. Methods From December 2022 to March 2024, 19 general practitioners from community health centers in Hangzhou were voluntarily recruited for this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: an AI group with 10 physicians and a control group with 9 physicians. During this period, these physicians treated a total of 90 patients with skin diseases: 50 in the AI group and 40 in the control group. Physicians in the AI group utilized the Ruifu AI-assisted system for diagnosing and managing dermatological diseases, whereas those in the control group followed standard treatment protocols without AI assistance. Both groups compiled patients' medical records, auxiliary examination reports, and photographs of skin lesions during consultations. Two skin disease experts were invited to conduct remote consultations to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the two groups. On the first day (1 d) and the fourteenth day (14 d) of treatment, patients underwent assessments using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and satisfaction surveys were conducted separately for patients in the AI and control groups. A questionnaire survey was administered to doctors in the AI group to assess their experience with the Ruifu AI-assisted system. Results No significant differences were observed in gender, age, or education level among patients in the AI and control groups (P>0.05), nor among physicians in terms of gender, age, education, and professional titles (P>0.05). The AI group's general practitioners achieved higher diagnostic accuracy for skin diseases than those in the control group (64.0% vs 37.5%, P=0.012). Fourteen days post-treatment, improvements in the DLQI scores were observed in both the AI and control groups, with significant differences (P

Background The development of excellent general practitioners is essential to preserving people's health. Unfortunately, the general practitioner training model in place today is insufficient, which leaves them unqualified to provide primary medical services. Consequently, enhancing clinical competency should be the main goal of general practitioners' training. Objective To investigate how general practitioners' clinical practice abilities are affected by MDT-based CBL education. Methods From July 2020 to July 2023, 26 trainee general practitioners received training at the department of pulmonary and critical care medicine as part of their residency programme. As research subjects, they were divided three groups and trained with different model: traditional model, CBL model and MDT-based CBL model, respectively. Leicester Assessment Package (LAP) was used to assess their clinical practice skills by the end. Self-designed questionnaire was used for satisfaction survey anonymously. The results were analyzed statistically. Results The MDT-based CBL teaching group outperformed the traditional teaching group and the CBL teaching group in the theoretical examination (P

Abstract Background This study investigated the perceived barriers and potential facilitators for culturally sensitive care among general practitioners in Flanders. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for improving healthcare quality and equity. Methodology Twenty-one in-depth interviews were conducted with Flemish GPs. Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis was employed to develop and interpret themes that elucidate shared underlying meanings and capture the nuanced challenges and strategies related to cultural sensitivity in healthcare. Results Two core themes were generated: GPs’ uncertainty and opposition. These themes manifest in emotional responses such as frustration, miscomprehension, and feelings of helplessness, influencing relational outcomes marked by patient disconnect and reduced motivation for cultural sensitivity. The barriers identified are exacerbated by resource scarcity and limited intercultural contact. Conversely, facilitators include structural elements like interpreters and individual strategies such as engagement, aimed at enhancing GPs’ confidence in culturally diverse encounters. A meta-theme of perceived lack of control underscores the challenges, particularly regarding language barriers and resource constraints, highlighting the critical role of GPs’ empowerment through enhanced intercultural communication skills. Conclusion Addressing GPs’ uncertainties and oppositions can mitigate related issues, thereby promoting comprehensive culturally sensitive care. Essential strategies include continuous education and policy reforms to dismantle structural barriers. Moreover, incentivizing culturally sensitive care through quality care financial incentives could bolster GP motivation. These insights are pivotal for stakeholders—practitioners, policymakers, and educators—committed to advancing culturally sensitive healthcare practices and, ultimately, for fostering more equitable care provision.

Abstract Background At least 10% of Covid-19 recovered individuals experience persistent symptoms (Long Covid). Primary healthcare and general practitioners (GPs) are at the forefront in their care. In this study, GPs’ knowledge, perceptions and experiences with Long Covid, and the definition used in two countries, are investigated to provide insight into GPs’ care for Long Covid patients at a cross-country level. Methods A cross-sectional study targeted towards GPs was conducted in Belgium and Malta during spring and early summer 2022. An online survey consisting of 15 questions on Long Covid was disseminated. Additionally, country-specific practice and demographic characteristics were collected. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results A total of 150 GPs (Belgium = 105; Malta = 45) responded. Female GPs represented 58.0%, median age was 49 years (IQR: 37–61). Concerning GPs’ knowledge and perception on Long Covid, in both countries, most GPs reported insufficient scientific knowledge and information on Long Covid diagnosis and treatment. Access to educational material was limited and an awareness-rising campaign on Long Covid was deemed necessary. Moreover, two out of three GPs stated that Long Covid patients were not well followed up by primary healthcare in mid-2022. For diagnosing Long Covid, 54.7% required a positive Covid-19 test, more often among Belgian GPs than Maltese (64.3% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.036). To assess Long Covid, GPs mainly applied diagnostic criteria by themselves (47.3%) in combination with persistent symptoms (4 weeks to 5 months). Most GPs had experience with Long Covid patients in their practice, regardless of practice type and GPs’ country, sex or age (p = 0.353; p = 0.241; p = 0.194; p = 0.058). Although most GPs (94.7%) stated that Long Covid patients should follow multidisciplinary approach, 48.3% reported providing care for these patients themselves or with GP colleagues and only 29.8% by multidisciplinary cooperation. Conclusions GPs frequently provide (multidisciplinary) care to Long Covid patients and GPs’ care showed similarities at cross-country level. Although GPs perceive lack of scientific knowledge and educational material on Long Covid, similar diagnostic criteria among GPs were noted. Uniform evidence-based guidelines, scientific support and training for GP across Europe must be a priority to enhance their treatment approach to Long Covid.

Objective To explore core elements from Teachers’ Relational Competence in general practice literature regarding building relationships in consultations, specifying actions doctors take to create and maintain relationship quality with patients. This systematic literature review aims to map and propose a similar framework for the doctor-patient relationship.Background The doctor-patient relationship, a well-researched yet complex field, often lacks clear descriptions. In recent definitions of patient-centred medicine, the responsibility of this relationship falls on the doctor, though how both relationship and responsibility is enacted needs clarification. Pedagogical literature on the student-teacher relationship provides a framework for relational competence, incorporating the needs and interactions between teacher and student and their alignment with institutional goals.Methods A systematic review of two databases yielded 1256 hits. After screening, 15 studies were included and assessed. A qualitative synthesis was conducted through iterative and thematic deductive analysis.Results Four relationally competent attitudes identified were: Attention to emotion, Devotion, Mentalization, and Time-oriented presence. Four relationally competent actions identitfied were: Being open, Attunement, Offering Support, and Using humor. Additionally, Trust and Continued connectedness were found as components of both attitudes and actions.Conclusion An explanatory framework for professional relational competence for GPs includes concrete actions and specific attitudes before and during consultations. These consist of four key attitudes and four categories of actions with several subgroups of actions. Two additional components to the framework was found.

Background With the changing disease spectrum of the population and the advancement of the national tiered diagnosis and treatment system, general practitioners play a vital role in disease diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, the continuous updating of medical knowledge and the ongoing changes in the health service demands of the residents necessitate the ongoing participation of general practitioners in continuing education and training. This ensures they can make the best diagnostic and treatment decisions and manage diseases effectively for their patients. Objective To analyze the current developments, training quality and research quality of continuing education research of general practice in China in the past ten years (2013-2022) . Methods In January 2023, eight Chinese and English databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and China Biology Medicine Literature Service System were used as data sources to obtain research on the training of continuing education for general practitioners in China. The literature was read, analyzed, organized, and summarized, with the search period ranging from January 2013 to December 2022. The Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) was utilized to comprehensively evaluate the quality of the literature. Results This review included a total of 49 articles, of which 11 were in English and 38 in Chinese. The themes of continuing education training focused on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (22.4%), emergency-related content (6.1%), and mental health (6.1%). The training formats were relatively singular, mainly based on traditional expert lectures (69.3%), with only 6.1% adopting the form of skill training, and 4.0% of the studies using problem-based learning (PBL) or team-based learning (TBL) training formats. There was usually a lack of rigorous evaluation: 31 studies (63.2%) used questionnaires to assess the effectiveness of the training, of which 19 had not undergone validity and reliability testing. In the study design, the largest proportion was single-group pre-post comparison (53.1%), followed by randomized controlled trials with pre-post measurements (26.5%), and the smallest proportion was controlled pre-post comparison (4.1%). Only 9 studies (18.3%) explicitly mentioned ethical approval, while the majority of studies (81.7%) did not undergo ethical review. The evaluations focused on the enhancement of knowledge and skills of general practitioners before and after trainin (85.7%), with less coverage of actual behavioral changes (14.2%) and benefits to patients and healthcare facilities (22.4%) . Conclusion In the past decade, the attention to general practice continuing education research has been insufficient, but there is significant room for development. In the future, it is necessary to expand training themes and adopt diverse training methods based on actual needs. Utilizing assessment tools with good validity and reliability, and focusing on the actual behavioral changes brought about by training, will benefit patients and enhance the quality of continuing education for general practitioners in multiple dimensions.

Background: Since the outbreak of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), general practitioners (GPs) have been working in the frontline under psychological and physical pressure. This study aims to evaluate the psychological health, career prospective, attitudes toward educational mode changes, and knowledge about COVID-19. Methods: An online anonymous questionnaire survey was carried out on GP trainees and GPs from June 2022 to September 2022. The survey mainly consisted of four parts: 1) general information; 2) level of knowledge about COVID-19; 3) psychological and physical health impact; and 4) changes in professional perception. Results: The total knowledge score of 43 GP trainees and 38 GPs was 334 and 283, respectively, without significant difference (z = -0.839, P = 0.402). There was no statistical difference between the scores of GP trainees and GPs for each subindicator of mental and physical disorders. Eleven GP trainees and four GPs had severe psychological disorder subindexes. Severe somatization disorder subindexes were found in eight GP trainees and five GPs. Also, 67.44% of GP trainees and 52.63% of GPs had a positive attitude toward GP career. Moreover, 62.79% of GP trainees and 52.63% of GPs considered the epidemic had no impact on their professional cognition. Among GP trainees, 62.8% and 32.6% considered the epidemic had no or slight impact on their academic activities, respectively. Also, 53.5% and 44.2% of GP trainees partially and fully approved online teaching, respectively. The most popular forms were live and recorded courses. Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic had no noticeable impact on their physical and mental health and their attitude toward GP career.

Abstract Background When doctors seek medical care, there is evidence that the treating doctor can struggle to provide optimal treatment. Guidelines state that doctor-patients should be treated like any other patient, but this is challenging for the treating doctor. This study set out to explore both the positive experiences general practitioners (GPs) have when caring for doctor-patients, and the challenges they confront. It sought to identify whether GPs believe they treat doctor-patients differently to other patients and if so, in what ways, for what reasons, and how this impacts their provision of care. The study also aimed to develop a model that makes sense of GPs’ experiences when caring for a patient who is also a medical doctor. Method Qualitative in-depth interviews with 26 GPs were carried out, with analysis of de-identified transcripts using pragmatic grounded theory. Evolving understandings were used to develop a model to make sense of GPs’ experiences caring for their doctor-patients. Results The core aspects of GPs’ experiences of treating fellow doctors centred around concepts of respect and collegiality. These play a central role in mediating how a treating doctor experiences a consultation with a doctor-patient, influencing the quality of care provided. GPs shared that the use of medical language (and assumptions about the doctor-patient’s knowledge/behaviours), testing, the exploration of sensitive issues, and the degree of shared decision-making were areas where their treatment might vary when treating a doctor-patient. Treating doctors often experience anxiety about errors and the likely scrutiny from the medical, and wider community. The decision to treat the doctor-patient differently was driven by a desire to maintain a sense of collegiality, to not offend, to meet their doctor-patient’s expectations, and to appear competent. Conclusion The professional socialisation of doctors, with its emphasis on collegiality and respect, plays a significant role in the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship when a doctor treats a doctor-patient. Current guidelines make little reference to these dynamics with the over-simplified ‘keep it normal’ recommendations. Treating doctors need evidence-informed training to navigate these challenges and ensure they can effectively deliver quality care to their doctor-patients.

Abstract Background Despite the proven positive effects of clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) on general practitioners’ (GPs’) performance and patient management, their adoption remains slow. Several factors have been proposed to explain GPs' reluctance to adopt these tools. This study hypothesizes that the influence of CDSSs on patient-physician interactions could be a determining factor. To explore this hypothesis, we utilized the FeverTravelApp, designed to assist GPs in managing patients presenting with fever after returning from the tropics. A case–control study was conducted, observing and analyzing fourteen consultations between seven physicians and three simulated patients. Each physician conducted consultations both with and without the FeverTravelApp. The consultations were video-recorded and analyzed using a custom analysis grid based on three existing tools. Simulated patients completed the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT) after each consultation, and each physician participated in a semistructured interview following the use of the app. Results The use of the FeverTravelApp influenced multiple aspects of the consultation, particularly communication. Both patient and GP speaking times decreased, while active silence (no one talking while the GP actively performed a task) increased. GPs focused more on the app, which reduced direct patient interaction. However, this influence seemed to bother GPs more than simulated patients, who rated their GPs equally whether the app was used or not. This could be because patients felt better understood when GPs asked fewer but more specific questions related to travel medicine, thus effectively addressing their concerns. Conclusions This study supports the hypothesis that CDSSs influence consultation dynamics, which may contribute to their slow adoption. It is essential to involve clinicians early in the development of CDSSs to adapt them to clinical workflows and ensure system interoperability. Additionally, tools that allow clinicians to follow the entire clinical reasoning process, such as decision trees, are needed. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings in real patient settings and to develop CDSSs that meet both patients’ and GPs’ expectations.

Abstract Background Effective transitions of patients from Secondary Care Services (SCSs) to primary care are necessary for optimization of resources and care. Factors that enable or restrict smooth transitions of individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) to primary care from SCSs have not been comprehensively synthesized. Methods A scoping review was conducted to answer the questions (1) “What are the barriers and facilitators to discharge from SCSs to primary care for adults with SMI?” and (2) “What programs have been developed to support these transitions?”. Results Barriers and facilitators of discharge included patient-, primary care capacity-, and transition Process/Support-related factors. Patient-related barriers and facilitators were most frequently reported. 11 discharge programs were reported across the evidence sources. The most frequently reported program components were the provision of additional mental health supports for the transition and development of care plans with relapse signatures and intervention plans. Conclusions Established discharge programs should be comprehensively evaluated to determine their relative benefits. Furthermore, research should be expanded to evaluate barriers and facilitators to discharge and discharge programs in different national contexts and models of care. Trial Registration The protocol for this scoping review is registered with the Open Science Framework ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/NBTMZ ).

Background According to the UN Committee Against Torture, all state parties to the Torture Convention have a responsibility to meet the rehabilitation needs of torture victims who have sought asylum within their borders. General practitioners (GPs) can play a crucial role in identifying torture victims and securing rehabilitation when needed. There is a pressing knowledge gap on the knowledge and practices of GPs vis-à-vis potentially tortured patients, and an urgent need for research that investigates GPs’ practices of identification, referral, and rehabilitation – in Norway and beyond. This article presents an exploratory qualitative pilot study that investigates the experiences of GPs in Oslo vis-à-vis this patient group.Methods Semi-structured interviews with five experienced GPs in the greater Oslo area. Interview data was analyzed through thematic analysis and discussed within a theoretical framework seeing GPs as street-level bureaucrats.Results Issues that emerged in the pilot involve a consistent professional confidence and a particular concern for victims of sexual violence and sexualized torture. The pilot also found a troubling commonsensical reasoning about identification in the asylum process. The GPs asked for the re-establishment of specialist rehabilitation centers for refugees and torture victims to consult in case of need. Alas, the study also confirmed that GPs are a difficult profession to recruit for research.Conclusions This study indicates that GPs are important actors in terms of identifying torture victims after resettlement, but that there are shortcomings in their training and knowledge, in the overall organization of the healthcare system, and in specialized healthcare, that limit prospects for rehabilitation.

Abstract Background Although the number of point-of-care ultrasound devices available in Hungarian primary care practices are increasing due to government funding, their use in day-to-day patient care is limited and unregulated. Our study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and needs of general practitioners (GPs) and patients in Hungary regarding the introduction of bedside ultrasonography in primary care practices. Methods As a part of a cross-sectional study, an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to GPs and patients on a social media platform. Data collection was carried out from August 2023 to October 2023. Chi-square test was used to determine the associations between categorical variables. Results The survey was completed by 415 GPs (mean age 53.8 ± 11.1 years, 54.9% female, mean 19.5 ± 11.9 years of practice) and 693 patients (mean age 45.5 ± 12.3 years, 95.2% female). There was a statistically significant increase in interest in PoCUS among young and middle-aged GPs (age 28–59; p = 0.02). In addition, this population of GPs was also more likely to undertake training in PoCUS than their older colleagues (p

Abstract Background The effectiveness of the NSW Health “Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service® ”(Get Healthy) to facilitate weight loss on a population scale has been documented, but this was based on self-reported measures. Our study aims to test the effectiveness of the Get Healthy Service on objectively measured weight, BMI, waist circumference, and changes in other health behaviours, including nutrition, physical activity and alcohol intake. Methods Men and women aged 40–70 years (n = 154) with pre-diabetes (5.7% < HbA1c

Background Graded diagnosis and treatment is one of the main goals of medical reform. In 2015, the General Office of the State Council issued the"Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Construction of Graded Diagnosis and Treatment System" (Guo Ban Fa[2015]No. 70), which stated that in 2017, the proportion of diagnosis and treatment in grassroots medical institutions was over 65.0%, but that proportion was 54.2% that year, and in recent years, it has shown an overall downward trend. Previous literature has mostly focused on the demand side (patients) for research, while as one of the suppliers of graded diagnosis and treatment, there have been few surveys on the willingness of general practitioners to participate in graded diagnosis and treatment. Objective This article aims to take Suzhou City as an example to investigate and study the willingness of general practitioners to participate in graded diagnosis and treatment, analyze its influencing factors, and provide suggestions to improve the willingness of general practitioners to participate in graded diagnosis and treatment, providing reference for formulating policies related to graded diagnosis and treatment. Methods In June 2022, a multi-stage convenient sampling method was adopted to select 1 451 general practitioners from 175 grassroots medical and health institutions (hereinafter referred to as grassroots institutions) in 4 counties and 6 districts of Suzhou City. A self-developed survey questionnaire was used to conduct the survey. The questionnaire includes the survey of general practitioners' basic situation (demography characteristics), survey of general practitioners' willingness to participate in hierarchical diagnosis and treatment (this part of the questionnaire is based on the expanded model of influencing factors of general practitioners' willingness to participate in hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, which is a fusion model of theory of planned behavior (TPB) and technology acceptance model (TAM) combined with Document retrieval and interview collection content). According to the survey results, use structural equation model SEM analysis to test the influencing factors of general practitioners' willingness to participate in graded diagnosis and treatment, expand the model's fit, and determine the model's fit effect. Exploratory factor analysis was used to calculate the weight (influence) of each influencing factor of general practitioners' willingness to participate in graded diagnosis and treatment, and to build a Relational model of influencing factors of general practitioners' willingness to participate in graded diagnosis and treatment. Results One thousand four hundred and fifty-one general practitioners participated in this questionnaire survey, and 1 302 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective rate of 89.73%. The expanded model of influencing factors on the willingness of general practitioners to participate in graded diagnosis and treatment is well fitted. In the influencing factors of general practitioners' willingness to participate in graded diagnosis and treatment, participation attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control jointly affect the willingness of general practitioners to participate in graded diagnosis and treatment, with weights of 46.22%, 9.75%, and 44.02%, respectively. Perceived benefits and perceived usefulness jointly explain participation attitudes, with weights of 15.14% and 31.08% respectively. Disposable resources and expected resistance jointly explain perceptual behavioral control, with weights of 27.07% and 16.95%, respectively. Conclusion The degree of recognition of the medical service capabilities of higher-level hospitals by general practitioners, the complexity of referral procedures, and the degree of openness of medical resources from higher-level hospitals to general practitioners have a significant impact on the willingness of general practitioners to participate in graded diagnosis and treatment. It is recommended to strengthen communication and interaction among personnel within the medical association at the administrative, organizational, and personal levels, and use information technology to simplify referral processes and procedures Encourage higher-level hospitals to provide targeted and quantitative access to medical resources such as outpatient number sources and ward beds for general practitioners, and take various measures to increase their willingness to participate in graded diagnosis and treatment.

Background General practitioners (GPs) are gatekeepers of residents' health, the rational allocation of resources is the basic guarantee for achieving fairness in health services. At present, research on the allocation of GPs in China mainly focuses on the whole country and individual provinces, lack of research on the allocation of human resources for general practitioners in the western region as the research object. Objective To comprehensively evaluate the current situation of GPs resource allocation in western China from 2015 to 2020, provide a reference for optimizing the resources distribution of GPs in the western region of China. Methods The data for this study were derived from the China Health and Family Planning Statistical Yearbook (2016-2017), the China Health Statistics Yearbook (2018-2022), and the China Statistical Yearbook (2016-2022). Using Atkinson index and location entropy to calculate and decompose the overall allocation of GPs resources in the western region. Using grey prediction model to predict the demand for GPs in the western region from 2022 to 2025. Results From 2015 to 2020, the number of GPs in the western region increased from 39 290 to 94 652, with an average annual growth rate of 19.23%. The Atkinson Index by population, economy, and geography in 2015 and 2020 respectively were 0.1265 and 0.049 3, 0.124 4 and 0.038 2, 0.786 5 and 0.694 4. The location entropy of population, economy, and geographical indicators in the western provinces in 2020 respectively ranged from 0.794 3 to 1.219 0, 0.697 0 to 1.337 3, and 0.043 2 to 7.7270. The location entropy of geographical allocation in the southwest region is greater than 1, while the location entropy of population allocation in the northwest region is better than geographical allocation.The location entropy of economic indicators in Gansu, Qinghai and Guangxi is greater than 1 during the research period.The grey model predicts that the resources of GPs in the western region will show an increasing trend from 2022 to 2025. Conciusion The allocation level of GPs in the western region is gradually improving, and the structure is gradually optimizing. However, there are still problems such as insufficient total quantity, uneven distribution, low registration rate, and poor fairness. Suggestions should be based on geographical classification as the standard, with the principle of "Adjust increment and optimize inventory", the goal of occupational attractiveness, and the guidance of resource integration and regional collaboration to further optimize the resource allocation of GPs in the western region.

Patients with multimorbidity often require the concomitant use of multiple medications, presenting general practitioners (GPs) with the dilemma of assessing the benefits and risks due to complex and potential interactions between diseases and medications. This article takes one case of a multimorbid patient at a community health service center to illustrate and elucidate the process by which GP employs a medication decision-making framework for multimorbidity (MDMF). Furthermore, by examining the multi-stage goals set by Ariadne principle in the process of multimorbidity management, this article analyzes the key points and considerations for GPs in the assessment, communication, and making treatment plans, thereby offering reference to improve the quality of medication decision-making for patients with multimorbidity in the community.

Multimorbidity refers to an individual suffering from two or more chronic diseases simultaneously. Patients with multimorbidity refers often require the concurrent use of multiple medications, posing a challenge to community general practitioners in making scientific medication decisions. This paper analyzes the reasons and influencing factors that lead to the dilemmas in medication decision-making for patients with multimorbidity in the community. It also proposes a dynamic and comprehensive decision-making framework known as the Medication Decision-making for Multimorbidity Framework (MDMF). The framework consists of five stages in the process of community general practitioners treating patients with multimorbidity, which include "Health problems review""Comprehensive medication assessment""Shared decision-making""Medication therapy recording", and "Follow-up arrangement". The MDMF facilitates the development of individualized medication therapy for patients with multimorbidity by community general practitioners, but it also places certain demands on their capabilities. Therefore, it is recommended to provide training for community general practitioners centered on the MDMF, offer decision-making support, and implement reasonable incentives and supervision measures. This is expected to promote primary care institutions to provide patient-centered medication therapy, enhance its safety and efficacy, and alleviate the treatment burden on patients.

Background Primary care physicians in community settings face numerous challenges when making medication decisions for patients with multimorbidity. Enhancing their decision-making capabilities through training is an important way to address these challenges. However, there is a dearth of in-depth research on the training needs of primary care physicians in the context of medication decision-making for multimorbidity. Objective This study aims to explore the challenge physicians encountered in medication decision-making for patients with multimorbidity and their needs for training content and modalities, providing a reference for designing the training courses for the abilities enhancement. Methods From October 5th to December 21st in 2023, physicians from community health care centers in Hangzhou, Ningbo, Jiaxing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai were recruited for in-depth interviews following the principle of purposive sampling and maximum variation, which focus on the content and formats of training to enhance medication decision-making abilities. Two researchers transcribed and coded the interviews independently, and content analysis was performed on the interview data. Results A total of 20 Physicians completed the interviews and 15 were females, mean age were (38.5±3.0) years. Based on the challenges faced by primary care physicians in the medication decision-making for multimorbidity, the training should cover four aspects: evaluation of medication therapy, rational selection of medication, doctor-patient communication and shared decision-making, medication education and follow-up. In terms of training form, primary care physicians are willing to accept flexible and multiple teaching approaches, and prefer case-based training that aligns with community health needs. Conclusion Primary care physicians have clear training needs of medication decision-making for patients with multimorbidity. The results of this study provide a theoretical reference for the development of training courses, which adapt to the working environment and actual requirements of primary care physicians.

With the deep reform of China's medical system, especially the advancement of the tiered diagnosis and treatment system, the role of general practitioners in the primary healthcare system has become increasingly significant. General practitioners are not only the first line of defense for residents' health, but also key executors of disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and health education. This article analyzes the classification of "major, minor, acute, chronic" diseases and the "4 virtues" positioning of general practitioners (namely adept at treating minor illnesses, identifying major illnesses, referring acute illnesses, and managing chronic illnesses), exploring the crucial functions and challenges of general practitioners in the era of new medical reform. The article points out that although the tiered diagnosis and treatment system aims to optimize the allocation of medical resources, it still faces challenges such as the ambiguity of the classification of "major, minor, acute, chronic" diseases and the uneven distribution of primary healthcare resources. General practitioners play a vital role in this system, needing comprehensive clinical diagnostic and treatment capabilities, and to establish clinical judgment standards and treatment protocols in collaboration with specialists. To address these challenges and fully leverage the role of general practitioners in the modern medical system, urgent reforms and optimizations in general medical education and practice are needed, along with strengthening the role of general practitioners, to ensure the improvement of medical service quality and efficiency while achieving a fair and sustainable health security system.

The rapid development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and large language models has brought new transformations to clinical medical practice. Both domestically and internationally, research and practical exploration of intelligent general practitioners have begun, but a consensus has yet to be formed. Against this backdrop, experts and scholars from Tsinghua University Vanke School of Public Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Chinese Association of General Practitioners of Chinese Medical Doctor Association and several other domestic institutions collaboratively developed a consensus. The background of these experts spans multiple disciplines, including general medicine, public health, artificial intelligence, and evidence-based medicine. Based on extensive literature review both domestically and internationally and through multiple rounds of expert discussions, the Chinese Expert Consensus on Artificial Intelligent General Practitioner (AIGP) was finally formulated. It includes 17 core consensus concerning the definition, characteristics, applications, challenges and recommendations of AIGP. This consensus aims to provide scientific references to promote the empowerment of general practitioners with intelligent technology and enhance the smart service level of primary healthcare.

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to explore the influence of GPs’information, motivation and behavior skills on EM prescribing behavior in urban and suburban districts. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to November 2022 cross 3 urban districts and 4 suburban districts in Beijing. The structural equation model was used to analyze the factors influencing the essential medicine prescription behavior among general practitioners in urban and suburban districts. Results A total of 511 valid questionnaires were collected. There was a statistically significant difference in mean scores for personal motivation and behavioral skills between urban GPs and suburban GPs. For urban GPs, the path analysis revealed that the social motivation had a direct effect on the essential medicine prescribing behavior (β = 0.225, p

Background Bronchial asthma (asthma) is the most common chronic respiratory disease in childhood, with long disease course and repeated attacks, which affecting the development and life quality of children. As the main providers of primary healthcare, general practitioners play important role in the early diagnosis and grading management of childhood asthma. Understanding their level of prevention and treatment services for this disease can provide suggestions for improving the quality of primary care childhood asthma prevention and treatment services. Objective To investigate the service level of primary general practitioners in the prevention and treatment of childhood asthma, and the influencing factors on the service level. Methods From April to July 2022, 22 districts (counties) were randomly selected from the 38 districts (counties) in Chongqing Municipality, and conducted a questionnaire survey on primary general practitioners in the sampling. The questionnaire was designed by the research team based on relevant guidelines and literatures, and formed through two rounds of expert consultation and pre-investigation, including four dimensions of knowledge, attitude, behavior and self-evaluation. We investigated the knowledge, attitude, behavior and self-evaluation of primary general practitioners regarding the prevention and treatment of childhood asthma and analyzed the influencing factors. Results A total of 234 general practitioners participated in the questionnaire survey. The knowledge score of general practitioners on the prevention and treatment of childhood asthma was (6.03±2.04) , with a pass rate of 44.9%; the attitude score was (49.42±4.94) , with a pass rate of 100.0%; the behavior score was (30.55±6.66) , with a pass rate of 87.2%; and the self-evaluation score was (21.57±5.30) , with a pass rate of 85.0%. Regarding the selection of referral indications, 98.7% (231/234) of the general practitioners believed that children with moderate or severe acute asthma attack that was not significantly relieved after emergency treatment needed to be referred, and 94.0% (220/234) of the general practitioners believed that children with asthma that could not be controlled effectively after standardized treatment needed to be referred. For children with poorly controlled symptoms, 33.8% (79/234) of the general practitioners would carefully analyze the cause of poor control, and 17.5% (41/234) of the general practitioners would advise patients to follow the doctor's advice, temporarily observe the condition and make an appointment for next reexamination. 33.8% (79/234) of the general practitioners held an uncertain or opposed attitude towards the diagnosis and treatment of childhood asthma in primary medical institutions. The main influencing factors of this attitude was the lack of disease-related knowledge and learning opportunities for general practitioners, reluctance of parents to visit primary medical institutions, strained pediatric doctor-patient relationship, the small number of children suffering from asthma, and the lack of related facilities and equipment. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that professional title and training experience on childhood asthma were the influencing factors of knowledge score (P

Background In 2010, China began to implement a free training program for rural order-oriented medical students (the "program") , which has played an important role in improving the construction of grass-roots health personnel and upgrading the level of grass-roots medical and health services. As the program has progressed, despite certain successes, there are many problems that remain to be solved, and it is not yet known which are the urgent and important core issues. Objective Sorting out the problems with the program to provide lessons learned for moving the program forward. Methods In May 2023, Chinese databases were searched using the literature analysis method to sort out the problems of the project documented in the literature; the problems resulting from the sorting out were analyzed using the social network analysis method, and the results calculated based on the social network analysis method were comprehensively evaluated using the TOPSIS method. Results The relevant problems in the literature were organized and counted. The top-ranked problems in order of frequency were low salary and treatment at the grassroots level for oriented medical students (14 times) , limited space for career development at the grassroots level for oriented medical students (10 times) , imperfect relevant supporting policies (10 times) , poor working conditions at the grassroots level (7 times) , and lack of motivation and initiative in learning for oriented medical students (7 times) ; and the results of the social network analysis were synthesized and evaluated by the TOPSIS method. The results of the social network analysis method were comprehensively evaluated by the TOPSIS method, and the top four rankings were imperfect relevant supporting policies (Ci=0.867) , limited space for grassroots career development of oriented medical students (Ci=0.800) , low grassroots salary and treatment of oriented medical students (Ci=0.786) , and poor grassroots working conditions (Ci=0.621) in the order of ranking. Conclusion Guangxi's free training program for rural order-oriented medical students still has major problems in the process of promoting the program. It is recommended that the program be optimized in the following ways to ensure its high-quality development: improve relevant supporting policies and strengthen supervision and evaluation; smooth career promotion channels and establish a long-term incentive mechanism; improve the remuneration system and raise the level of treatment; and improve the grass-roots working environment to enhance the quality of grass-roots work and increase efficiency.

Background China's National Compulsory Service Programme (CSP) is an important measure to alleviate its shortage of primary health care (PHC) workforce and improve quality of care in rural areas. Currently, the work status and turnover intention of the CSP medical graduates (the fully-fledged general practitioners in China) have received considerable attention. Objective This article will investigate the medical graduates' workplace violence, burnout, and turnover intention, in order to provide policy recommendations to stabilize the general practitioners. Methods From December 2021 to February 2022, an online structural questionnaire survey was conducted in nine out of 22 provinces adopting a stratified random sampling method. The electronic questionnaires were distributed to medical graduates with the assistance of the Science and Education Department of the Provincial Health Commission. The burnout of medical graduates was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) . Workplace violence involved the verbal and physical violence. Turnover intention was measured by "Are you willing to continue serving at the PHC institutions upon the completion of the contract (the compulsory service) ?" Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the impact of burnout and workplace violence on turnover intention. Results A total of 3 615 questionnaires were effectively collected. 87.77% (3 173/3 615) of medical graduates were unwilling or unsure to continue their employment after finishing the contract. 17.46% (631/3 615) of medical graduates had experienced physical violence, and 60.33% (2 181/3 615) had experienced verbal violence. In addition, the detection rate of burnout was 55.82% (2 018/3615) , of which 60.80% (2 198/3 615) were in moderate or severe emotional exhaustion, while the proportions of depersonalization and personal accomplishment were 67.55% (2 442/3 615) and 83.76% (3 028/3 615) , respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that after controlling for socio-economic factors such as gender, professional title, and personal monthly income, medical graduates who were experiencing burnout had a 4.92 times[95%CI (3.87-6.25) ] higher risk of leaving, a 1.92[95%CI (1.50-2.46) ]times higher risk of uncertain retention (P

Abstract Background Basic sciences are crucial for clinical medicine, yet studies focusing on their perceived utility among general practitioners (GPs) are sparse. Considering the broad scope of GPs’ practice, an in-depth understanding of basic sciences is fundamental for making informed clinical decisions. This study evaluated GP registrars’ retention and perceptions of the utility of basic sciences in clinical practice. Methods Using sequential explanatory mixed methods study design, knowledge retention was assessed by a multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination followed by interviews on the perception of the relevance and utility of basic sciences among GP registrars at James Cook University's (JCU) General Practice Training (GPT) program. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted on the MCQ exam data, while thematic analysis was employed for the qualitative interview data. Results Sixty-one GP registrars participated in the MCQ exam, while 11 of them were involved in the interviews. The highest mean score was obtained in biochemistry (75.1 ± 2.23) while the lowest mean score was in anatomy (56.07 ± 3.16). Key performance predictors included the formative clinical examination scores (β = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.45 to 1.2, p

Morten Breinholt Søvsø,1 Rasmine Birch Haurum,2 Trine Hagelskær Ebbesen,2 Ann Øster Rasmussen,2 Logan Morgan Ward,3 Mads Lause Mogensen,3 Erika Frischknecht Christensen,1 Tim Alex Lindskou1 1Centre for Prehospital and Emergency Research at Danish Centre for Health Services Research; Aalborg University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Gistrup, Denmark; 2Department of Health, Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Gistrup, Denmark; 3Treat Systems ApS, Aalborg, DenmarkCorrespondence: Tim Alex Lindskou, Centre for Prehospital and Emergency Research, Aalborg University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Selma Lagerløfs Vej 249, Gistrup, 9260, Denmark, Tel +45 23274523, Email tim.l@rn.dkIntroduction: Ambulance requests by general practitioners for primary care patients (GP-requested) are often omitted in studies on increased demand within emergency care but may comprise a substantial patient group. We aimed to assess acute severity, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and diagnostic pattern, including comorbidity, and mortality among GP-requested ambulance patients, compared to emergency call ambulance patients. Our hypothesis was that emergency call patients had more severe health issues than GP-requested ambulance patients.Methods: Historic population-based cohort study of ambulance patients in the North Denmark Region, 2016– 2020. Hospital contact data including diagnoses, ambulance data, vital signs and vital status was linked using each patient’s unique identification number. Primary outcome measure was mortality within 1, 7, and 30 days. Secondary outcomes were disease severity expressed as modified National Early Warning Score (NEWS2), and ICU admission. Admission status and hospital diagnostic pattern, including comorbidity were described and compared.Results: We included 255,487 patients. GP-requested patients (N = 119,361, 46.7%) were older (median years [IQR] 73 [58– 83] versus 61 [37– 76]) and more had moderate/severe comorbidity (11.9%, N = 13,806 versus 4.9%, N = 6145) than the emergency call patients. Prehospital mNEWS2 median scores were lower for GP-requested patients. For both groups, mNEWS2 was highest among patients aged 66+. GP-requested patients had higher 30-day mortality (9.0% (95% CI: 8.8– 9.2), N = 8996) than emergency call patients (5.2% (95% CI: 5.1– 5.4), N = 6727). Circulatory (12.0%, 11,695/97,112) and respiratory diseases (11.6%, 11,219/97,112) were more frequent among GP-requested patients than emergency call patients ((10.7%, 12,640/118,102) and (5.8%, 6858/118,102)). The highest number of deaths was found for health issues ‘circulatory diseases’ in the emergency call group and ‘other factors’ followed by “respiratory diseases” in the GP-requested group.Conclusion: GP-requested patients constituted nearly half of the EMS volume, they were older, with more comorbidity, had serious conditions with substantial acute severity, and a higher 30-day mortality than emergency call patients.Keywords: emergency medical services, mortality, diagnoses, early warning scores, after-hours care, primary healthcare, general practitioners

Abstract Background Older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) have an increased risk of hypoglycaemic episodes when using sulphonylureas or insulin. In the Netherlands, guidelines exist for reducing glucose-lowering medication in older patients. However, evidence is lacking that a medication reduction in older patients can be safely pursued. Here, we will examine if promoting the deprescribing of insulin/sulphonylureas with a deprescribing programme (DPP) in general practice affects T2D-complications in older overtreated patients. Methods We will perform a 1:1 cluster randomised controlled trial in 86 general practices in the Netherlands. The DPP will consist of education sessions with general practitioners and practice nurses about reducing glucose-lowering medication in older patients (≥ 70 years). Topics of the sessions include the necessity of deprescribing, tools to initiate deprescribing and strategies to discuss deprescribing with patients (shared decision making). The DPP further includes a support programme with practice visits. The study will employ a selection tool to identify possibly overtreated older patients from the electronic medical records of the general practitioner. Eligibility for enrolment in the study will be based on HbA1c targets indicated by the Dutch guidelines, which depend on age, diabetes duration, presence of frailty, and life expectancy. The control group will provide usual care. We aim to include 406 patients. The follow-up period will be 2 years. For the primary outcome, the effect of the DPP on T2D-complications will be assessed by counting the cumulative incidence of events related to under- and overtreatment in T2D as registered in the electronic medical records. We shall perform an intention-to-treat analysis and an analysis including only patients for whom deprescribing was initiated. The implementation of the DPP in general practice will be evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively using the Extended Normalisation Process Theory (ENPT) and the Reach, Efficacy – Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) model. Other secondary outcomes include quality of life, cognitive functioning, events related to overtreatment or undertreatment, biomarkers of health, amount of blood glucose-lowering medication prescriptions, and cost-effectiveness. Discussion This study will provide insight into the safety and feasibility of a programme aimed at deprescribing sulphonylureas/insulin in older people with T2D who are treated in general practice. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN50008265 , registered 09 March, 2023.

Abstract Background Diagnoses entered by general practitioners into electronic medical records have great potential for research and practice, but unfortunately, diagnoses are often in uncoded format, making them of little use. Natural language processing (NLP) could assist in coding free-text diagnoses, but NLP models require local training data to unlock their potential. The aim of this study was to develop a framework of research-relevant diagnostic codes, to test the framework using free-text diagnoses from a Swiss primary care database and to generate training data for NLP modelling. Methods The framework of diagnostic codes was developed based on input from local stakeholders and consideration of epidemiological data. After pre-testing, the framework contained 105 diagnostic codes, which were then applied by two raters who independently coded randomly drawn lines of free text (LoFT) from diagnosis lists extracted from the electronic medical records of 3000 patients of 27 general practitioners. Coding frequency and mean occurrence rates (n and %) and inter-rater reliability (IRR) of coding were calculated using Cohen’s kappa (Κ). Results The sample consisted of 26,980 LoFT and in 56.3% no code could be assigned because it was not a specific diagnosis. The most common diagnostic codes were, ‘dorsopathies’ (3.9%, a code covering all types of back problems, including non-specific lower back pain, scoliosis, and others) and ‘other diseases of the circulatory system’ (3.1%). Raters were in almost perfect agreement (Κ ≥ 0.81) for 69 of the 105 diagnostic codes, and 28 codes showed a substantial agreement (K between 0.61 and 0.80). Both high coding frequency and almost perfect agreement were found in 37 codes, including codes that are particularly difficult to identify from components of the electronic medical record, such as musculoskeletal conditions, cancer or tobacco use. Conclusion The coding framework was characterised by a subset of very frequent and highly reliable diagnostic codes, which will be the most valuable targets for training NLP models for automated disease classification based on free-text diagnoses from Swiss general practice.

Abstract Background Cancer patients report that they lack support from healthcare providers when it comes to returning to or maintaining employment. In the education of general practitioners (GPs) in the Netherlands, there is little attention given to discussing work participation with patients. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate a newly developed education program for GPs in training that focuses on discussing work participation with cancer patients. Methods Two groups of in total twenty-one GPs in training participated in the education program. GPs were educated about the importance of discussing work participation with patients, work-related problems cancer patients can experience, and advice they can give to support cancer patients regarding work issues. In this pilot study using a mixed-method design, participants evaluated the program in two self-developed questionnaires and in a focus group discussion. Results Seventeen participating GPs (81%) indicated that the education program was suitable for implementation in the education curriculum. Eleven participants (52%) reported that they had never discussed work participation with cancer patients before. Directly after the education program, eighteen participants (86%) reported that they planned to discuss work participation more often with their patients. Four months after the program, 67% indicated they had applied their new knowledge and skills in practice by discussing work participation and by referring cancer patients to occupational health professionals or online resources. According to the GPs in training, integrating the topic of work participation into other education for GPs in training and focusing on a broader group of patients could improve the impact of the education program. Conclusions According to the results of this pilot study, the newly developed education program increased the awareness of GPs in training on the importance of discussing work participation with cancer patients. Future studies should focus on whether cancer patients experience more support from their GPs for maintaining and returning to employment after their GP has participated in the training program.

Abstract Background Diagnostic ultrasound has become a bedside tool widely available to many primary care physicians (PCPs) in Europe. It is often used as point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) in this setting. In Switzerland, certain POCUS examinations are listed as learning objectives in existing ultrasound training programs (we defined these examinations as swissPOCUS = sPOCUS). Ultrasound performed by PCPs can lead to faster diagnostic workup and reduce referral to secondary care units. However, adequate training is crucial to guarantee high quality. To guide the development of ultrasound training programs for PCPs, this study explores the use of ultrasound in primary care in Switzerland. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. We invited PCPs from the Swiss practice-based research network “Sentinella” to collect data on the first 5 daily ultrasounds they ordered or performed themselves. Participating PCPs collected data for 3 months – divided into 4 groups to account for seasonal differences. Results Out of 188 PCPs invited, 81.9% provided data through an initial questionnaire. 46.8% provided data on 1616 ultrasounds. 56.5% of PCPs had access to ultrasound machines, while 29.8% had completed formal training. 77% of the reported ultrasounds were self-performed; 27% of the reported scans (35% of all self-performed scans) were performed by PCPs with incomplete or no formal training. The main areas of interest were the abdominal (57.9%) and the musculoskeletal (22%) region. 36.9% of reported examinations were sPOCUS exams. Among PCPs with access to US machines, the percentages of referred examinations were similar for sPOCUS (11.9%) and non-sPOCUS (11.3%) indications. However, some sPOCUS musculoskeletal ultrasounds were often referred (e.g. tendon/ligament/muscle injuries or cutaneous/subcutaneous tumour). Conclusion Most Swiss PCPs had access to ultrasound equipment and performed a majority of both sPOCUS and non-sPOCUS scans themselves, often without or with incomplete training. This reflects the fact that POCUS was only recently introduced in Switzerland. There is a need for easily accessible POCUS training programs aimed at PCPs in Switzerland. Training courses for PCPs should focus on abdominal and musculoskeletal ultrasound, because these were the most common sites for scans, and because some sPOCUS musculoskeletal examinations showed a particularly high percentage of referral.

General practice in China has developed rapidly in recent years with remarkable progress, but the gap with developed countries in Europe and the United States is still large, and the training system of general practitioners still remains impefect. In Germany, the construction of the primary health care system and the training system of general practitioners have been well developed. Under the system of universal health insurance coverage and hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, a high level of health and patient satisfaction with primary healthcare services among residents have been achieved in Germany. Therefore, this study compares post-graduate education and continuing education of general practice in China and Germany, analyzes the challenges of general practice education reform in China, drawing on the conceptual framework of general practice education in Germany, and proposes targeted ideas and recommendations for solutions as follows: for the standardized residency training of general practice, increase the rotation flexibility as appropriate to facilitate the optimization of trainees' individualized competencies, incorporate the standardized curriculum of psychosomatic medicine and Balint group training to improve trainees' competence in psychosomatic medicine, establish standardized selection criteria and promote standardized training program for faculty of community hospital, and revisit the duration of general practice (including community) rotation after improving the qualifications of general practice faculty of community hospital; for the continuing education, incorporate the special interest and small specialties into the general practice continuing education system to strengthen the functional medical characteristics of general practice and promote the professional diversification of general practitioners, and establish a national unified platform for continuing education in general practice. More practical research and resources are needed to improve the training system of general practitioners in China in the future.

Background Physical and medical integration is essential for promoting the health of community residents and is an important guarantee for the high-quality development of community medical services, and practitioners are the foothold and focus of physical medicine integration services. However, there is currently a lack of relevant research on the impact of community medical institutions in carrying out physical medicine integration services from the perspective of practitioners. Objective To study the understanding and views of practitioners on how to carry out the integrated service of physical medicine in the community to provide ideas and references for the community to better carry out the integrated service of physical medicine. Methods In March and April 2023, 11 practitioners from 5 community health service centers in Zhuzhou city, Hunan Province, were selected as survey subjects by means of an objective sampling method. The descriptive research method was adopted to conduct "one-on-one" semistructured in-depth interviews with community practitioners. With the help of the content analysis software Nvivo 12.0, text transcription recording, analysis unit formation, content coding and theme extraction were carried out for the interview content. Finally, the interview data were logically analyzed using descriptive phenomenological analysis to capture GPs' understanding and perceptions of the influences on the development of body-health integration services in the community, and to summarize the themes of the interviews. Results The factors affecting the development of physical and medical integration services in communities can be summarized into 4 themes and 10 subthemes. There was an urgent need to optimize the service environment for the integration of physical medicine (insufficient site supply, lagging atmosphere, and insufficient publicity) , improve the ability of practitioners (insufficient cognitive ability for the integration of physical medicine and the ability to issue sports prescriptions) , lack of support in community hospitals (lack of training activities related to the integration of physical medicine, insufficient fund allocation and shortage of human resources) , and lack of patient cognition of the integration of physical and medicine (patients have poor cognition of the efficacy of body-medicine integration, and patients have poor cognition of the risk of body-medicine integration) . Conclusion There are still many shortcomings in the service ability of community practitioners. To promote better development of community integrated services, it is urgent to optimize the service environment of community integrated services, to improve practitioners' integrative cognition ability and exercise prescription ability, to strengthen the support and guarantee of community health service institutions, and to improve patients' awareness of the efficacy and risk of physical and medical integration services.

Objective Many countries experience challenges in recruiting and retaining general practitioners (GPs) as supervisors for medical students in clinical placements. We aimed to investigate the opportunities, capacities and limitations of Norwegian GPs to become supervisors.Design Web-based cross-sectional questionnaire study.Setting Norwegian general practice.Subjects All GPs in Norway, including locums and those on leave, both active supervisors, and GPs who are not presently supervising medical students.Main outcome measures GPs’ terms of salary, office facilities, limiting factors, capacity and needs for becoming or continuing as supervisors.Results Among 5145 GPs, 1466 responded (29%), of whom 498 (34%) were active supervisors. Lack of a dedicated student office was the most reported limitation for both active supervisors (75%) and other GPs (81%). A high proportion (67%) of active supervisors reported that they could host more students per year, given financial support for equipped offices and higher salaries. With this kind of support, 48% (n = 461) of the GPs who were not supervisors for medical students were positive about a future supervisor role. By adjusted regression analysis, female GPs had lower likelihood of being supervisors, OR (95% CI) 0.75 (0.59–0.95) than male colleagues. GPs in the North, Mid and West regions had higher odds (OR 3.89, 3.10 and 2.42, respectively) than those in the South-East region. Teaching experience also increased the odds (2.31 (1.74–3.05).Conclusions There seems to be capacity among both active and potential supervisors if increased salaries and financial support for office facilities are made available.

Abstract Background Migrants have complex health needs but face multiple barriers to accessing health care. In France, permanent healthcare access offices (PASSs), as specific primary health care facilities (SPHCs), provide care to people without health insurance coverage. Once these patients obtain health insurance, they are referred to common ambulatory general practice. The aim of this study was to explore migrants’ experiences and strategies for seeking common primary care after having been treated by an SPHC. Methods We conducted a qualitative study based on grounded theory between January and April 2022. We held semi-structured interviews with migrants who had consulted a PASS. Two researchers performed an inductive analysis. Results We interviewed 12 migrants aged 22 to 65 to confirm data saturation. The interviewees relied on “referents”: professional referents (to be properly treated for specific health problems), guides (to find their way through the healthcare system), or practical referents (to address practical issues such as translation, travel needs, or medical matters). Those who considered the PASS to be a referent expressed disappointment and incomprehension at the time of discharge. Referral procedures and the first encounter with common ambulatory general practice were decisive in whether the interviewees accessed and stayed in a coordinated primary care pathway. The perceived quality of care depended on a feeling of being considered and listened to. For interviewees who received first-time services from an ambulatory general practice, the way in which they were referred to and their first experience with an ambulatory GP could influence their adherence to care. Conclusions The conditions of transition from SPHCs to common ambulatory general practice can impact migrants’ adherence to a coordinated primary care pathway. Referral can improve these patients’ care pathways and ease the transition from a PASS to ambulatory care. Healthcare professionals at SPHCs should pay special attention to vulnerable migrants without previous experience in ambulatory general practice and who depend on referents in their care pathways. For these patients, adapted referral protocols with further individual support and empowerment should be considered.

Wenxia Wu,1,2,&ast; Jingwei Tian,1,&ast; Lisha Xiao,1 Haochen Mai,1 Phei Er Saw,3– 5 Meng Zhang1,2 1Department of General Practice, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of General Practice, Shenshan Medical Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Shanwei, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 3Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 4Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Nanomaterials, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 5Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Phei Er Saw; Meng Zhang, Email zhangm7@mail.sysu.edu.cn; caipeie@mail.sysu.edu.cnBackground: The incidence of cancer is increasing, and cancer survivors are also growing exponentially. Cancer is defined as a new chronic disease. Nevertheless, the management of cancer in the form of chronic diseases in China is still in its infancy, without a standardized care model.Objective: This study aimed to explore the current status of management of cancer care from the patient’s perspective.Methods: This cross-sectional study was a questionnaire survey of patients diagnosed with cancer, including information of the current situation of daily medical consultation, status of comorbidity, and expectations of seeking cancer care in future. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the factors influencing patients’ choice of cancer management mode.Results: A total of 200 cancer patients were included in the study. The majority (n = 150) of cancer patients chose an oncologist in a tertiary hospital for cancer care. Difficulty in registration (45%), time-consuming (34.5%), repeated examinations (34.5%) and different treatment opinions (12.0%) were the main difficulties they encountered currently during tertiary hospital visits. In community hospital, lack of trust in general practitioners (n = 33) and the necessary drugs or testing items in community hospitals (n = 47) were the main difficulties during their visits. Logistic regression analysis showed that male (OR = 2.737, 95% CI, 1.332– 5.627, p = 0.006) and elderly patients (OR = 3.186, 95% CI, 1.172– 8.661, p = 0.023) were more likely to choose general practitioners (GPs) in community hospitals. Twenty-nine (14.5%) patients hope to have an integrated multidisciplinary management in tertiary and community hospitals with the active participation of GPs for cancer care.Conclusion: Improving drug availability, equipment and quality of cancer care services can help to increase cancer patients’ recognition of community hospital. In addition, the multidisciplinary management integrated tertiary hospitals and communities with the participation of GPs is a worth exploring mode that improves the management of cancer care.Keywords: cancer care, chronic disease management, general practitioners, GPs, multidisciplinary

Background In standardized residency training for general practice trainees, the rotation time in various clinical specialties is short, and there is a wide range of learning content, requiring enhanced learning autonomy. General practice faculty would be dealing with trainees from a variety of backgrounds, including 5+3, transfer, professional masters, or 3+2 assistant general practitioners, interns, public health trainees. It was necessary to study how to enable different training targets to get what they need and achieve the desired training effect in training needed to be carefully studied. Objective The objective of this study was to explore a training method that addresses structural problems, enhances trainees' learning initiative, and cultivates their ability for deeper thinking. Methods At the end of each learning activity, immediate discussions were organized to address the following questions: "1. What have you learned through the study? 2. What other questions do you have? 3. What are the same or similar experiences that you can share with others? 4. What inspirations do you have for future work?" The paper conducted theoretical analyses of the four questions to elucidate the method's internal logic and trainees' thinking process. Corresponding questionnaires were designed for validation studies conducted in the General Practice Backbone Teachers' Training Class and the Grassroots Talent Class. Results The training method received strong agreement from the trainees, with the composite score ranging between "strongly agreed" and "agreed". After conducting parameter tests, no statistical differences were found in the answers concerning gender, age, title, position, and working experience. However, statistical differences were observed in academic qualifications, work units, and participated training programs (P

This paper systematically reviewed the process of primary health care development of China over the past 45 years, and summarized the achievements of primary health care based on data related to primary health care draw from 2010-2012 China Health Statistics Year book, 2013-2017 China Health and Family Planning Statistical Yearbook and 2018-2022 China Health Statistics Year book. Data of the infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate, and average life expectancy were from the World Bank in China and upper middle income countries in 2023. The development of primary health care of China was summarized into four phases, and the achievements included the improvement of the primary health care network, coverage expansion of basic health insurance, the increase of funding and coverage of basic public health services, the steady improvement of family doctor contracts, and the continuous improvement of women's and children's health, with major health indicators ranking among the top upper middle-income countries. The current challenges include the unbalanced development of infrastructure construction in the primary medical and health system, the decline in the proportion of medical insurance funds, the lack of vitality of the management system, the low level of remuneration and imperfect incentive system. This paper summarizes the enlightenment of international experience for China's primary health care, and puts forward the future development directions and strategies.

Background Competency development is the core of residency training in general practice, as well as the key to training qualified general practitioners. Summative assessment can evaluate overall training outcome and the attainment of general practitioner competencies. Summative assessment in general practice is still in developing in China, and its relevance to competencies is relatively weak. Objective To develop competency based summative assessment indicator framework of residency training in general practice, and to provide reference for improving the summative assessment system in China. Methods From 2023-04-25 to 30, 32 experts from 10 provinces, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hebei, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hainan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Sichuan Province were invited to participate in Delphi Expert Survey. The indicator framework of summative assessment was established through literature review and Delphi expert survey. The weight of indicators was determined by multiplicative model. Results In both the first and second rounds of expert survey, 32 questionnaires were issued and 32 were recovered, which were all valid. The positive coefficient was 100.0%, the authority coefficient was > 0.8, the importance coordination coefficient of indicators at all levels respectively was 0.382, 0.284, 0.265, and the feasibility coordination coefficient was 0.415, 0.359, 0.332. The final summative assessment indicator framework consisted of 6 first-tier indicators, 24 second-tier indicators and 50 third-tier indicators. The first-tier indicators include application of clinical professional knowledge and skills, the ability to take care of the family, the ability to provide basic public health services, the ability to communicate, cooperate and coordinate, humanistic ability and professionalism, clinical teaching and scientific research ability, and the weights were 0.505, 0.061, 0.109, 0.134, 0.125 and 0.066, respectively. Conclusion This study preliminarily explored and constructed competency based summative assessment indicator framework of residency training in general practice, which provides reference for further research on the contents of summative assessment and on the improvement of summative assessment system in China. The framework is important for improving the quality of residency training and competencies of general practitioners.

Aims and method This study aimed to assess current levels of knowledge, opinions and attitudes regarding mental health among the local cohort of general practitioner trainees (n = 45) working in Malta. A questionnaire adapted from the Mental Health Literacy Scale was used. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation tests. Results All participants had scores equal to or more than the mean score in their knowledge and confidence assessments; 51% of the participants achieved the maximum score for a very positive attitude towards mental health, with such scores found particularly among female trainees. Increased levels of knowledge are associated with a more positive attitude, which can in turn lead to greater acceptance and reduce stigma. Clinical implications Knowledge is a powerful tool for reducing stigma and improving the doctor–patient relationship, indicating that regular training initiatives are necessary to equip budding general practitioner specialists with the necessary skills and confidence.

Background: Organisations providing secondary care in the NHS in England have historically not also provided primary health care, but this is changing. Data on where this kind of ‘vertical integration’ is happening are lacking, making it difficult to evaluate its impact. Aim: To compile a comprehensive list of instances of secondary care trusts running general practices in England, to enable evaluation of the impact of such arrangements. Design & setting: This service mapping study comprises review, collation, synthesis, and analysis of published information describing secondary and primary care provision in the NHS in England in March 2021. Method: Desk-based collection, including hand-searching, of secondary care organisations’ statutory annual reports. Triangulation via comparison with national data on general practices, the general practice workforce and practice contracts. Results: It was possible to construct a database of all instances of trusts running general practices in England as of 31 March 2021. We have identified 26 trusts running a total of 85 general practices, operating across a total of 116 practice sites. These practices have on average fewer patients and fewer GP full-time equivalents than other general practices, and before becoming vertically integrated were performing less well in the Quality and Outcomes Framework. Conclusion: We recommend that national statistics recording the details of general practices contracting with the NHS should include whether each practice is owned by another organisation and whether that is an NHS trust, another public body, or a private organisation. Such data are required to enable evaluation of the impacts of this kind of vertical integration.

Background: Pegasus Small Group education for GPs is a professional development programme that has been delivered in Canterbury, New Zealand for over 30 years. Peer-developed content is delivered in small groups supporting interactive discussions informed by evidence and locally relevant data. Aim: An international collaboration between South Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group in the UK and Pegasus Health in Canterbury, New Zealand aimed to determine whether the Canterbury model of Small Group professional development for GPs was transferrable to the South Tyneside context. Design & setting: This was a pilot qualitative study testing proof of concept for the Pegasus Small Group GP education model of professional development in another country. Method: To test the concept, three pilot sessions on persistent pain, screening, and optimising treatment were delivered between November 2021 and March 2022. Four UK GPs were trained as Small Group leaders, and a member of the Pegasus team liaised with various UK GPs in South Tyneside to adapt topics for the local context. The use of videoconferencing (Microsoft Teams and Zoom) to deliver support, training, and the programme itself had been developed and refined during the COVID-19 pandemic, so that it could be run entirely online without losing its core components or interactive nature. Results: Of the 68 registered GPs, 31, 50, and 61 GPs attended the three sessions, respectively, 90% of whom rated the overall quality as good or excellent. These results and other positive feedback from attendees provided a mandate for a further extension of the programme over the following months. Conclusion: The pilot proved the potential for health systems to collaborate globally despite geographical distance. A wider evaluation to assess the impact of the education initiative is needed to determine the impact on patient care and to demonstrate the benefits of supporting the small group peer education model.

Background: UK cancer deaths remain high; primary care is key for earlier cancer diagnosis as half of avoidable delays occur here. Improvement is possible through lower referral thresholds, better guideline adherence, and better safety-netting systems. Few interventions target whole practice teams. We developed a novel whole-practice team intervention to address this. Aim: To test the feasibility and acceptability of a novel, complex behavioural intervention, ‘ThinkCancer!’, for assessment in a subsequent Phase III trial. Design & setting: Pragmatic, superiority pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) with an embedded process evaluation and feasibility economic analysis in Welsh general practices. Method: Clinical outcome data were collected from practices (the unit of randomisation). Practice characteristics and cancer safety-netting systems were assessed. Individual practice staff completed evaluation and feedback forms and qualitative interviews. The intervention was adapted and refined. Results: Trial recruitment and workshop deliveries took place between March 2020 and May 2021. Trial progression criteria for recruitment, intervention fidelity, and routine data collection were met. Staff-level fidelity, retention, and individual level data collection processes were reviewed and amended. Interviews highlighted positive participant views on all aspects of the intervention. All practices set out to liberalise referral thresholds appropriately, implement guidelines, and address safety-netting plans in detail. Conclusion: ‘ThinkCancer!’ appears feasible and acceptable. The new iteration of the workshops was completed and the Phase III trial has been funded to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this novel professional behaviour change intervention. Delivery at scale to multiple practices will likely improve fidelity and reach.

Background: GPs play a key role in the diagnosis and management of eating disorders (EDs). Aim: To explore GPs’ experiences of managing patients with EDs. Design & setting: A qualitative study utilising remote semi-structured interviews in the UK. Method: Fourteen GPs were interviewed about their experiences of supporting patients with EDs. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The analysis described the following four themes: (i) ‘Continuity of care’, addressing the GP's relationship with patients and family, patient transitions across life stages and geographical areas, and patient non-attendance; (ii) ‘The role of guidance’, focusing on guidelines and protocols, referrals and specialist professionals as points of contact; (iii) ‘Structural barriers’, including waiting times, lack of resources, referral criteria, and relationships between services; (iv) ‘Confidence and skills’, reflecting professional and personal experience in EDs, previous training and training needs. Transcending these themes was the notion of the ‘Limits to the care’ GPs can provide owing to professional boundaries and the emotional impact of managing patients with EDs. Conclusion: This study found that while GPs want to help patients with EDs many limits remain to the care they can provide owing to both internal and external factors. Funding is required for training and accessible specialist ED support, and greater clarity is needed regarding referral processes if ED management in primary care is to be optimised.

Background: GPs’ participation in continuous medical education (CME) is essential for patient care, GPs’ wellbeing, and healthcare expenditure. However, one-quarter of Danish GPs did not use their reimbursement for CME in 2022. Knowledge of barriers for participating in CME is limited. Aim: To analyse the barriers GPs face to participation in CME, and patterns in perceived barriers. Design & setting: A cross-sectional questionnaire study design was used. The study population comprised all 3257 GPs in Denmark who, in May 2023, were registered as entitled to reimbursement for CME. Method: The response rate was n = 1303/3257 (40%). Based on a question about use of CME, the responders were divided into ‘frequent', ‘partial', and ‘seldom’ users. Partial and seldom users answered questions about barriers related to CME (n = 726). The presence of barriers was quantified, and a latent class analysis (LCA) was used to stratify GPs according to their barrier patterns. Results: The most frequent barriers were as follows: too busy (67%); fully booked courses (45%); and no substitute or locum doctor (39%). Based on the LCA, we found three distinctive patterns, clustering around the following: GPs from clinics with no tradition for CME (class 1, 17%); GPs who used time on professional work outside clinic (teaching, organisational work) (class 2, 43%); and GPs who were personally or professionally affected (class 3, 40%). Singled-handed and male GPs were slightly overrepresented among seldom users. Conclusion: We have identified barriers for CME. We found three different profiles of GPs who perceived different patterns of barriers. Identified patterns in barriers should be considered in future CME initiatives.

Background: Over the past two decades, many countries have reported an increased percentage of female staff in the general practice workforce. Considering the importance of general practice workforce planning, it is necessary to investigate the current working patterns of female GPs. Aim: To describe the female GP workforce in Ireland and to investigate factors that may affect their long-term commitment to general practice. Design & setting: Descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted with female GPs in Ireland. Method: A ‘membership survey’ was emailed to 1985 female GPs in November 2021. In total, 345 female GPs responded, providing a response rate of 17.4%. Results: The study revealed that a majority of the female GP workforce in Ireland worked in the position of the GP principal (62.3%), but also provided out-of-hours services (64.3%), and undertook caring responsibilities (84.1%). In total, 41.2% of the responders disclosed having at least one paid additional role, mainly in the field of academia and teaching. Most female GPs worked fewer than eight clinical sessions a week (80.5%). GPs who held General Medical Services (GMS) contracts (72.8%) were significantly more likely to work more clinical sessions a week and had been longer employed in general practices (>5 years) than GPs who did not have GMS contracts. Conclusion: Irish female GPs demonstrated a significant adjustment of their working patterns, including reducing their number of clinical sessions and balancing between additional roles, to ensure their long-term commitment to general practice. Current practices and vision on GP roles must be recognised and supported to allow for adequate workforce planning.

ABSTRACT Introduction There is a growing body of literature concerning endometriosis patients' perspectives on the healthcare system and endometriosis care in New Zealand. However, there is little research available on the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) internationally, and none currently in New Zealand. The purpose of this study is to address New Zealand GPs' understanding of and approach to endometriosis diagnosis, referrals, management and guidelines. Methods and Materials An online, anonymous survey was shared with 869 GP clinics and completed by 185 New Zealand‐based GPs regarding their awareness and application of the inaugural 2020 ‘Diagnosis and Management of Endometriosis in New Zealand’ guidelines, their perception of their endometriosis knowledge, the diagnostic value they assign to symptoms, the treatments they recommend and the reasons they refer patients to specialist gynaecologists. Differences between groups were conducted using Chi‐squared tests, and text answers were assessed thematically using inductive, semantic coding. Results All 185 GPs had gynaecology consults, and 73% had gynaecology consults every week. Despite 65% being aware of the 2020 guidelines, only 35% overall had read them. Only 52% of GPs considered themselves to know enough about endometriosis for their routine practice. The most common treatment to be considered first line was intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs; 96%), whereas the most common alternative treatment recommended was exercise (69%). The most common reason for referral to specialist care was the failure of all attempted treatments (84%). Conclusions Many of the study's results align with current New Zealand and international endometriosis guidelines, particularly the prioritisation of progestin‐only therapies, the reduced emphasis on surgical treatment as the first line and the low rates of alternative treatment recommendations. This study also highlights the need to improve awareness of inappropriate GP recommendations, including long‐term treatment with prescription‐only pain relief such as codeine and pregnancy for symptomatic relief. Patient or Public Contribution Two of the authors involved in the design and conduct of the study, data interpretation and manuscript preparation have sought care for endometriosis. Trial Registration NA

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a persistent and ascensive global threat influenced by antibiotic misuse and overuse. In the Romanian context, patterns of antibiotic consumption and resistance within the healthcare system are marked in the red scenario on the European map. General practitioners and pharmacists, among others, play a major role in stewardship towards AMR.AimTo explore the practices, strategies, and challenges in antibiotic treatment and prevention of antimicrobial resistance from the perspectives of Romanian community pharmacists and general practitioners.Method and MaterialsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with six general practitioners and five community pharmacists in Romania from January to March 2024. An inductive, Goffman theory-inspired thematic analysis was conducted, inspired by Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method, consisting of familiarization with the data, iterative coding guided by theoretically inspired questions, and identification and refinement of (sub)themes. Goffman’s theory of social interaction, focusing on the concepts of front stage, backstage, and roles, guided the analytical questions.ResultsThe results were presented in three overarching themes: ‘Knowledge acquired backstage to support challenges and performance on front stage’, ‘Adapting roles and performances on the front stage: A mix of structured and twisted acts’, and ‘Interprofessional Collaboration: A latent part in the play’s roles and performances’. Professionals prepared their understandings of AMR and antibiotics backstage, with an awareness of the challenges rooted in the Romanian context. The front stage scenario evolved from structured antibiotic performances led by AMR strategies with compliant actors to challenging performances influenced by actors which changed the course of performances and intended AMR strategies. The revealed competition between general practitioners and pharmacists further complicated antibiotic use and AMR-related performances.ConclusionThe Romanian socio-political system influenced the course of antibiotic treatment and the professionals’ intended antibiotic related practices and AMR strategies. The study showed a theory-practice gap in health professionals’ practices, leading to limited strategy integration towards AMR and increased antibiotic use. The study underscores the need for context-specific policies and interventions to minimize identified gaps.

Abstract Background Difficulty obtaining a dermatological consultation is an obstacle to the early diagnosis of melanoma. On the one hand, patients survival depends on the lesion thickness at the time of diagnosis. On the other hand, dermatologists treat many patients with benign lesions. Optimizing patient care pathways is a major concern. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the e-mail transmission of photographs of suspected melanoma lesions between general practitioners (GPs) and dermatologists reduces the time to dermatological consultation for patients whose suspicious skin lesions ultimately require resection. Methods We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled study in primary care involving 51 French GPs between April 2017 and August 2019. A total of 250 patients referred to a dermatologist for a suspected melanoma lesion were included GPs were randomized to either the smartphone arm or the usual care arm. In the smartphone arm, the GPs referred patients to the dermatologist by sending 2 photographs of the suspicious lesion using their smartphone. The dermatologist then had to set up an appointment at an appropriate time. In the usual care arm, GPs referred patients to a dermatologist according to their usual practice. The primary outcome was the time to dermatological consultation for patients whose lesion ultimately required resection. Results 57 GPs volunteered were randomized (27 to the smartphone arm, and 30 to the usual care arm). A total of 125 patients were included in each arm (mean age: 49.8 years; 53% women) and followed 8 months. Twenty-three dermatologists participated in the study. The time to dermatological consultation for patients whose suspicious skin lesion required resection was 56.5 days in the smartphone arm and 63.7 days in the usual care arm (mean adjusted time reduction: -18.5 days, 95% CI [-74.1;23.5], p = .53). Conclusions The e-mail transmission of photographs from GPs to dermatologists did not improve the dermatological management of patients whose suspicious skin lesions ultimately required resection. Further research is needed to validate quality criteria that might be useful for tele-expertise in dermatology. Trial Registration Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under reference number NCT03137511 (May 2, 2017).