Public perception of dermatologists in France: results from a population‐based national survey

摘要

Abstract Background The public perception of dermatologists, highly relevant for implementing strategies to improve dermatological care, has been scarcely investigated in France, in regard to the background where the number of active dermatologists is continuously decreasing. Objective This study sought to investigate the French public's perception of dermatologists, as well as the physician–patient relationship in dermatology area. Methods A sample of 5000 inhabitants (aged ≥15–80 years) of Metropolitan France, seeking medical advice for a skin condition, were invited in July 2018 to fill in a digital structured questionnaire. Results The sample's gender ratio and geographical distribution proved representative of the French general population. Compared to 33.2% of respondents having consulted a general practitioner ( GP ), 20.6% had consulted a dermatologist over the past 12 months, the main reasons being a chronic skin condition (37%), surgical intervention (18%) and naevi check‐up (15%). When confronted with acute skin problems, survey participants stated their GP was the first healthcare reference (54% of cases). This may be explained by two distinct phenomena: the declining demography of dermatologists and specific peculiarities of the French healthcare system. Contrarily, the dermatologist was the first care provider for chronic skin problems (47% of cases). On answering the question whether they were satisfied with their last dermatological consultation, 76% declared to be very satisfied/satisfied, vs. 24% dissatisfied/very dissatisfied. Some 78% were given a prescription at consultation end, considered efficacious by 91% and well tolerated by 98%. Conclusion Our study findings underline the central role of dermatologists in skin care as valued and trusted care providers in France. Further educational and political strategies appear warranted to improve patient referral to dermatologists and decrease waiting times, thereby improving patients’ well‐being and satisfaction, as well as care quality provided.