[Continuing education of general practitioners: practices, evaluations, wishes (1983-1996)]

Eight opinion surveys were conducted among French GPs, from 1983 through 1996. They showed that GPs utilize a great deal of means for updating their skills and knowledge. However, some means are only used for information purpose whereas others are high-ranked as tools for continuing training. About 3 GPs out of 10 quote the sessions organized by a medical association aimed at continuing education as the most important tool for them. Medical journals are quoted by 3 others (out of 10). One tenth quote the sessions for continuing education organized by hospital departments. We have to note that attendance of the sessions organized by continuing education associations is now subsidized by the Sickness Insurance National Fund. Nearly 48 percent declare they have attended subsidized sessions for continuing education during 1995 and 1996, and 65% among them find these sessions "very interesting" and appropriate to their needs. About 22 French GPs out of 100 need additional training as concerns AIDS, drug abuse and the like. One tenth need additional training in the section of pains and cancer treatment. The third sector where training need is felt covers office management, administration, health economics and related topics. Continuing education is now compulsory to French medical doctors. In late 1996, about 43 percent GPs deemed it "a good thing" whereas 45 found it either useless or heavy.