General Practitioners’ Attire in France: A Descriptive Study
Axel DESCAMPS
Several studies have examined the impact of physician attire during consultations, showing its influence on the doctor–patient relationship. However, there is no consensus regarding general practitioners’ (GPs) dress code in office practice, and no descriptive study has comprehensively assessed this in XXX.The primary objective was to describe the attire of general practitioners in XXX. Secondary objectives included assessing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on GPs’ attire and exploring their reflections on, and reasons for, choosing their professional clothing.A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted in XXX. A random sample of 1,113 GPs was recruited via standardized telephone calls. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Independence of variables was assessed using Chi-square tests or Fisher’s exact tests.Among 1,113 contacted GPs, 362 responses were obtained. In 2022, the most frequently worn attire was semi-formal (25.1%), followed by the white coat (23.4%), white top (20.4%), casual (20.4%), formal (8%), and full white outfit (2.2%). Grouped categories showed that “professional” attire was most common (46.4%), followed by “formal/semi-formal” (33.1%) and “casual” (20.4%). COVID-19 influenced attire toward more professional clothing (p < 0.001). The majority of GPs believed that attire affects first impressions (85.4%) and the doctor–patient relationship (77.9%), and reflected on their attire choices (77.6%). Main reasons for attire selection were hygiene, comfort, professionalism, and patient trust. Differences by gender were observed: women prioritized professionalism and comfort, while men emphasized patient trust and perceived empathy (p < 0.05).Our findings align with international data indicating that attire impacts patients’ first impressions and the doctor–patient relationship. The study population is representative of regional and national GP demographics, supporting external validity. Although the study faced potential selection and measurement biases, these were mitigated through standardized recruitment, photographic examples of attire, and validated questionnaires. Overall, our results suggest that physician attire is a relevant, modifiable factor in clinical practice, shaped by personal, cultural, and situational considerations, with implications for patient perception and the professional image of general practitioners.Attire choices affect patient perception and the doctor–patient relationship, suggesting that awareness of attire can guide clinical practice and inform medical training for general practitioners.
Prehospital Management of Cardiorespiratory Arrest: Assessment of Knowledge Among Family Physicians
Eya OUERGHI
Cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) represents the most critical medical emergency. As frontline providers, family physicians are often required to intervene before the arrival of specialized emergency teams, giving them a pivotal role in the early management of out-of-hospital CRA.The aim of this study was to assess the theoretical knowledge of family physicians regarding prehospital CRA management.We conducted a two-month cross-sectional descriptive study using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The survey consisted of two sections: demographic and training-related information, followed by an assessment component comprising 15 multiple-choice questions inspired by the European Resuscitation Council guidelines.A total of 110 responses were collected from physicians with a mean age of 34 ± 7 years and a sex ratio of 0.32. Thirty-eight participants (34.6%) were practicing physicians with an average of 9±7 years of experience. Nearly half had received theoretical training during specialty coursework (14.5%), postgraduate training sessions (31.8%), or complementary certification courses (5.5%). Practical simulation-based training had been completed by 79% of participants, with 38.5% trained within the past year. Forty-three physicians (39%) had previously managed an out-of-hospital CRA. The mean score was 11 ± 2 (range: 4–15), and 58 participants (52.7%) achieved a “satisfactory” score (≥11). A satisfactory level was significantly associated with previous theoretical training (p=0.01), practical simulation training (p=0.004), recent training within the past year (p= 0.004), and prior experience in emergency medical services (p=0.04).In a study done by Zajic et al.[1] they concluded that prehospital physicians make decisions to start or withhold resuscitation routinely and base those mostly on situational information and immediately available patient information known to impact outcomes. A clinical paper written by Nagashima et al.[2] evaluated how the presence of prehospital physicians impacts survival outcomes in out of hospital cardiac arrest patients, particularly those undergoing extracorporeal CPR (ECPR). Findings suggest a positive survival effect when a physician is present during prehospital care, indicating the value of physician expertise in acute cardiac arrest management.Continuous, up-to-date theoretical and practical training in out-of-hospital CRA management is essential to strengthen early intervention quality and ensure adherence to evolving international resuscitation guidelines.
Experiences of general practitioners when they receive gifts from their patients
Alice DEROME LE BRET
General practitioners frequently receive gifts from their patients, although accepting gifts in exchange for medical services is prohibited. This practice can have consequences for the unique doctor-patient relationship and its ethical and professional aspects.Explore the experiences and perceptions of XXX general practitioners when they receive gifts from their patients.This qualitative study was inspired by interpretive phenomenology and used semi-structured individual interviews conducted either face-to-face or by videoconference. Twelve general practitioners were recruited. Data were analysed using triangulation.The gift was part of a socio-cultural ritual that fostered exchanges between doctor and patient and could be understood as a symbolic expression of occasional gratitude, sometimes expected by physicians, and reflecting the care relationship. By maintaining a form of reciprocity, it echoed this relationship and appeared more agonistic than purely altruistic in nature. In some cases, it reflected a patient’s desire to strengthen or rebalance the relationship, or to seek a secondary benefit. Physicians expressed concerns about possible attempts at corruption, which could lead to expectations or forms of control. Gifts and expressions of gratitude were also perceived as potentially intrusive, encroaching on the consultation or the physician’s private sphere. Several physicians emphasized the need to reflect on their own conception of gift-giving throughout their practice, in order to define professional boundaries and establish a framework consistent with their personal values.Drawing on the work of sociologists such as Mauss and Sherry, and combined with the specific features of the care relationship, a new conceptual framework emerges that helps to understand the place of gifts within medical practice. To limit confirmation bias and the halo effect, a logbook was maintained and data analysis was triangulated. However, the limited heterogeneity of the sample may have resulted in insufficient data. In addition, the researcher’s gender may have influenced the exploration of certain themes, particularly those related to the potential sexualization of gifts.Through the issue of gifts, the general practitioner is led to reflect on the context of the consultation and to question the nature of the doctor–patient relationship, including professional boundaries and expectations.
Designing an addiction module for a lifestyle medicine curriculum in family medicine
Vildan MEVSIM
Addictive substances, including tobacco, alcohol, and other psychoactive drugs, constitute a major burden on individual and public health. Family physicians play a central role in prevention, early detection, brief intervention, and long-term follow-up of substance use disorders. Lifestyle medicine, with its focus on behaviour change, patient empowerment, and holistic care, provides a suitable framework for addressing addiction in primary care. However, addiction-related competencies are often fragmented or insufficiently integrated into family medicine training curricula.This study aims to design an education module on addictive substances within a lifestyle medicine curriculum for family physicians. The module is based on predefined learning objectives addressing knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to addictive substances and addiction management in primary care.Following a completed needs analysis and learning objective development phase, core competencies for the addiction module were defined. These include defining risky and addictive substances; explaining their biological, psychological, and social effects; recognising stigma and common misconceptions; developing empathetic attitudes; assessing addiction severity; applying evidence-based prevention and counselling strategies; establishing effective communication; developing individualised management plans; and referring patients to appropriate treatment services. Educational strategies and assessment methods are currently being mapped to these objectives using principles of adult learning, experiential learning, and lifestyle medicine education.The proposed module integrates interactive and practice-oriented educational methods, such as case-based discussions, reflective exercises, skills training, and simulated patient encounters. The curriculum framework aims to strengthen family physicians’ competencies in both clinical management and person-centred communication while promoting stigma-sensitive and empathetic care approaches.Aligning addiction education with lifestyle medicine principles enables a comprehensive and behaviour-focused approach that goes beyond disease-centred models. This structured curriculum design supports the development of sustainable competencies relevant to real-life primary care settings.This study presents a systematic approach to translating addiction-related learning objectives into an educational module within a lifestyle medicine curriculum for family medicine. The proposed framework may guide future curriculum development initiatives and contribute to more effective, compassionate, and integrated addiction care in primary care practice.
Exercise Addiction in Primary Care: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Patient–GP Dialogue in a Community-Based Sample
Louise FUMERY
Exercise addiction (EA) is characterised by compulsive physical activity despite physical or psychological harm. Although its prevalence is well described in athletic and fitness populations, little is known about its presence in routine primary care. Understanding EA within general practice is essential, as early identification may prevent physical, social and psychological complications. The patient–GP dialogue around exercise could play a role in detecting at-risk individuals.Estimate the prevalence of exercise addiction among adult primary care patients, and to identify associated behavioural, clinical, and communication-related factors, including discussions about exercise with GP.A cross-sectional multicentre study was conducted from June 2024 to January 2025 across general practices belonging to a Territorial Professional Health Community (CPTS) in northern France. Adult patients completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographics, physical activity habits, substance use, and sport practices. Exercise addiction risk was measured using the Exercise Addiction Inventory. Participants reported whether they discussed exercise with their GP. Analyses (logistic regression models) were performed on the full sample and on the subgroup of participants reporting regular physical activity.Among 402 respondents (64.4% women), 6.2% (95% CI 3.8–8.6) were at risk of EA. Independent associations included self-medication (OR 12.1), use of rehydration drinks (OR 37.5), and discussing physical activity with the GP (OR 3.1). In the physically active subgroup (n = 290), 8.6% (95% CI 5.4–11.8) were at risk. Associated factors included self-medication (OR 35.7), rehydration drink use (OR 36.0), endurance sports (OR 4.7), combat sports (OR 35.5), and exercising ≥4 times per week (OR 10.2).This study provides a primary care–based estimate of EA, suggesting that EA may be more common than expected. The strong associations with specific sports and health-related behaviours highlight red flags that GPs can monitor. At-risk individuals appear more likely to discuss physical activity with their GP, suggesting an opportunity for early detection.Exercise addiction may affect up to one in twelve physically active primary care patients. Increased GP awareness, targeted screening, and structured dialogue about exercise behaviours could support earlier recognition and tailored counselling. Further research is needed to refine screening strategies and assess management approaches within primary care.
What questions should be asked when dealing with addictive disorders in general practice?
Agathe EDELINE
Early detection of addictive disorders in primary care is recommended but remains underutilized. General practitioners would like examples of questions to ask about addictive disorders during consultations. There is no validated test that can detect all types of addiction.To determine the most appropriate validated questions for broaching the subject of addiction during consultation.We selected 15 non-substance-focused questions by cross-referencing data from validated tests, the DSM-V, and nominal groups. A quantitative study was conducted between November 2024 and April 2025 among general practitioners and interns recruited in private practices, health centers, and at national conferences. Participants rated their comfort level with asking each of the 15 questions on a Likert scale.A total of 201 general practitioners responded. The sample was diverse in terms of status, gender, type, and location of practice. The three highest-ranked questions were: “Have you ever tried unsuccessfully to reduce or stop a consumption or behavior?” (Q4), “Has a consumption or behavior ever caused you problems?” (Q6), and “Do you need a substance or behavior to relax, feel better, or cope?” " (Q7). The question about the patient's social circle (Q13) was the lowest rated.Three questions emerged as particularly useful for GPs in dealing with addictions, asking about the difficulty of quitting, the problems involved and using to feel better. Their convergence with recognized tools confirms their clinical relevance, while the low value of questions focusing on the entourage illustrates the fear of being intrusive.This study highlights three simple, validated, and cross-sectional formulations that general practitioners perceive as appropriate for broaching the subject of addiction. Testing them in real-life conditions and adapting them to other primary care professions is a relevant avenue for further research.
Improving the detection of addictive disorders in primary care: pluriprofessional nominal groups
Agathe EDELINE
France is one of the European countries most affected by the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and illicit substances. These uses represent the leading cause of avoidable mortality, with almost 115,000 deaths annually. Despite HAS recommendations in favor of early detection using standardized tools, such screening remains difficult to implement in primary care. Patients fear judgment and stigmatization, while healthcare professionals cite frustration at failure, fear of hindering the doctor-patient relationship, and lack of resources for management. Other primary care professionals, such as physiotherapists, midwives, dental surgeons, nurses or pharmacists, sometimes feel illegitimate to broach these subjects, even though they enjoy a close relationship with patients.Identify what could help primary care professionals to address addictive disorders with their patients.A qualitative study was conducted using nominal groups, bringing together general practitioners, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists and dental surgeons. They had to have a primary care practice and were not required to be experts in addictology. Participants were asked to respond to the question “In your practice, what would help you address addictive behaviors with your patients?” Each session followed a standardized procedure: individual formulation of ideas, pooling, clarification and voting. The responses were analyzed to extract the priority ideas according to the participants.Two nominal groups of 12 and 10 participants respectively, lasting 131 and 122 minutes, were conducted in July and October 2024. The nominal groups yielded 12 and 16 main ideas respectively. At the end of the vote, a 50% cut-off was used to retain 8 ideas expressed by primary care professionals to help them deal with addictive disorders with their patients.These elements aim to reassure, legitimize and equip primary care professionals to engage in dialogue about addictive behaviors. They underline the importance of everyone's role, the need for a non-judgmental framework, and the value of simple tools adapted to daily practice.The results will be validated using the Delphi method with a multi-professional panel, including primary care professionals, public health experts and patients.
