Research in general practice in France today: Appraisal, perspectives and challenges

Abstract

Objective: To identify what research in general practice represents today in France: results and typology, methods, the group of researchers in general practice, constraints, challenges and perspectives.Method: The analysis of a corpus of 271 research articles obtained from systematic scanning of three French medical journals (published between 1990 and 2000).Results: The number of publications has increased since the early nineties. A total of 161 lead authors were identified, of whom only eight have published more than four articles in eleven years. 121 articles are the result of individual initiatives, 62 are signed by several authors, 44 jointly by an author and an organisation. Applied research focused on professional practice is the main theme (one article out of two). The methods used are predominantly quantitative (8 out of 10 cases).Conclusion: Research in general practice in France is still very limited. This raises two questions: that of the links between general practice and universities and that of the place of general practice within the French healthcare system. There are several issues at stake here: to establish the legitimacy of an autonomous degree course; to provide knowledge that will enhance individual practice and quality of care; to fit into a wider movement on a European and international scale.