The influence of GPs' personal experience on perceived competence in depression management.

BACKGROUND: Managing depression in general practice is a multifaceted task, influenced by factors such as the condition's characteristics, patient-specific variables, and the personal habits of attending physicians. A study by Dumesnil et al. in France highlighted the impact of GPs' personal experiences with depression on their patient care approaches. AIM: This study investigated how the personal experiences of Belgian GPs influence their self-perceived competence in managing patients with depression. METHOD: This transversal study was conducted through questionnaires distributed in a GP training (2020-2022). Statistical analyses (Chi-square test/multivariate logistic regression) were conducted using STATA-SE 17.0. RESULTS: Out of 325 GPs, 30.46% of GPs had experienced depression and 16.62% had taken antidepressants. After categorisation and adjustment, the personal experience of GPs does not influence self-efficacy in diagnosing and supporting depressed patients. Higher self-efficacy scores were associated with an advanced age (60-64y/o) (aOR:7,9;IC95%), working in a multidisciplinary practice (aOR:3,4), prior training on the issue (aOR:2,1), and male gender (aOR:0,5). GPs with personal experiences of depression (aOR:2,6), advanced age (aOR:4,1) and working in multidisciplinary practices (aOR:3,4) had more appropriate responses to the proposed clinical situations than other groups. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that the personal experience of depression among GPs does not influence their perceived competencies, contrary to having received prior training on the issue. However, experiencing depression is associated with more appropriate responses to clinical situations. These results are consistent with existing literature regarding socio-demographic factors and practice type. In the future, it is important to consider these factors when developing continuing education programs.

Determinants of medical student's perception of general practice.

BACKGROUND: Enhancing the attractiveness of a career in general practice is a significant public health concern, given the current shortage in Belgium. AIM: The objective of this study is to determine the factors that influence students' decisions to pursue a career in general practice and their perceptions of it. METHOD: This prospective study was conducted in May 2023. A questionnaire, based on existing literature, was distributed to final-year medical students. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and bivariate tests (chi2 test). RESULTS: Out of the 142 participating students (response rate: 45%), 29.3% expressed a preference for general practice, while 70.7% opted for other specialties. These groups exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05) not only in terms of socio-demographic factors (nationality, parent's education) but also in their perceptions of general practice. The latter group associated it with routine work (89.2%) and feelings of loneliness (58.5%), in contrast to the former (36.1% and 24.3%, respectively). Moreover, 76.6% of students reported a shift in their perception of general practice during their medical education. General practice internships (71.9%), GPs (78.2%), and interactions with patients (68.9%) had a positive influence on their perception, while instructors in hospital settings (72.9%) and peers (37%) often portrayed general practice as a less favourable career option. CONCLUSION: Perceptions of general practice are significantly shaped by interactions with role models from the medical sector who convey either a positive or negative image of general practice. To address the shortage issue, it is imperative to increase positive interactions with GPs within the curriculum and work towards changing the institutional culture at this level.