Contribution and feasibility of general practitioners-community pharmacists practice groups in France: Insights from...

General practitioners and community pharmacists practice groups (GPMPs) have demonstrated their relevance in several European countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland) and represent a potential avenue for the French primary care system. This study aims to examine the contribution and feasibility of this practice among a panel of French general practitioners (GPs).

Based on a nationwide experiment conducted between 2019 and 2020, an evaluation was carried out among participating GPs using questionnaires administered at different stages of the experiment. These questionnaires collected feedback on expectations, satisfaction, and perceived future prospects related to this practice.

Although few sessions were conducted, the experimental GPMP model demonstrated its contribution to participants’ practice (changes in prescribing behavior, acquisition of new knowledge, impact on professional practice), as well as a high level of adherence (satisfaction and willingness to recommend the practice to colleagues).

Given their potential interest for policies aimed at improving quality of care, GPMPs could benefit from measures facilitating their wider implementation in France. This is particularly relevant in light of the appeal of group practice for younger generations of GPs and the recognition of such practices within existing structural frameworks (Interprofessional Conventional Agreements, Continuing Professional Development).