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Caroline Di Lorenzo-Kas1, Yohann Vergès2
1Département de médecine générale, 146 rue léo saignat, collège santé case 148 33076 Bordeaux cedex - France.
Sante Publique (Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France)
|June 23, 2025
Summary
Locum primary care physicians (PCPs) in France are predominantly young women with demanding workloads, often seeking permanent positions. These physicians are crucial for healthcare continuity, contrary to common misconceptions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Healthcare Workforce Studies
- Primary Care Medicine
Background:
- A notable decline in permanent employment for physicians in France since 2010.
- An increasing trend of young physicians opting for locum tenens positions.
- Limited representative data on locum primary care physicians (PCPs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the demographic profile of locum PCPs in France in 2022.
- To characterize the professional activities and working conditions of these physicians.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, quantitative, observational survey design.
- Online self-administered questionnaire distributed via email and social media.
- Analysis of 612 valid responses from locum PCPs.
Main Results:
- The study sample comprised 72% women, with an average age of 33.
- Locum PCPs reported significant activity, covering for an average of 7 physicians annually and working approximately 32 weeks per year.
- A majority (59%) expressed a desire for permanent employment, despite their vital role in healthcare continuity.
Conclusions:
- Locum PCPs represent a critical component of healthcare continuity in France.
- Contrary to perceptions, locum physicians are valuable assets to established practices.
- Further research is needed to understand the aspirations of young PCPs within the evolving healthcare system.