[The gynaecological work by GPs in Brittany]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the gynaecological work done by general practitioners (GPs) in Brittany and the clarify the role that they play in screening for female cancers. Gynaecology represents approximately 10% of the total activity reported by the respondents; however, wide variations have also been noted. This raises important questions on issues such as the competence of these practitioners in this area and equity in access to care and screening, which could potential lead to problems. A large majority of the participating GPs (87%) identified prevention and screening as their primary specific roles to carry out in the care of their female patients. The main reasons for seeking gynaecological consultation are contraception and hormone replacement therapy, and these are the two themes for which GPs request further medical training and continuing education possibilities. Gynaecological work done within the scope of general practice can be hindered by various factors or obstacles: some stem from the doctors themselves (inadequate skills, little interest in this speciality), or rather may be linked to their working conditions (dealing with several reasons for a patient seeking consultation at the same time), while others are a result of how women (or even the doctors themselves) view the tests (reluctance or lack of confidence in the doctors' ability to carry them out properly). In order for GPs to be more involved and implicated in this field, there would need to be the introduction of an efficient and adapted training as well as compatible and effective continuing education programmes suitable to respond to the needs and requirements of the GPs practicing in this area.