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[Medical practice analysis in internal medicine: a national descriptive study]
P Pottier1, J-H Barrier, P Lombrail
1Service de médecine interne, Hôtel-Dieu, CHU de Nantes, place Alexis-Ricordeau, 44093 Nantes 1, France. pierre.pottier@sante.univ-nantes.fr
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|May 26, 2004
Summary
Internal Medicine specialists treat complex cases, including rare diseases and infectious conditions. Their expertise is sufficient for most patient needs, highlighting a demand for targeted continuing medical education.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Internal Medicine
Context:
- A 2002 study surveyed Internal Medicine specialists.
- Data collected from 332 specialists.
- 5,611 main diagnoses were analyzed.
Purpose:
- To contribute to a White Book on Internal Medicine.
- To analyze continuing education needs for specialists.
Summary:
- 15% of specialists practice outside Internal Medicine.
- Orphan diseases (17%) and infectious/hematological/malignant diseases were common.
- 55% of patients were seen after initial general practitioner consultation.
Impact:
- Informs the medical community on specialist practice patterns.
- Identifies specific needs for post-university medical training.
- Provides insights into the complexity of cases managed by Internal Medicine specialists.