Décembre 2010
Summary
Acute fever: has the media coverage of the swine flu generated a medical overconsumption in primary care in France?
Objective.
Based on patient’s declarations, evaluate if the media coverage of the pandemic flu (H1N1) has lead to an overconsumption of primary care. Identify the opinions of the general practionners (GP) concerning this media coverage and the health crisis.
Methods.
A prospective study, based on an electronic questionnaire, was conducted during the main period of the pandemic flu. Each GP was invited to include one patient who presented fever since less than 2 days, associated to two of four following clinical signs: cough, headache, coat throat and ache.
Results.
730 questionnaires were fully completed and analyzed. 96 patients (12,9%) have declared to the GP an overconsumption, and two thirds of them because of their concern about the swine flu and a quarter because the social control. This concern was noted by 80% of the GP from the beginning of the flu. 77% of the GP have considered the media coverage of the flu alarming, while 69% of them have declared to feel serene concerning the pandemic. No statistic link has been noticed between the GP opinions and the overconsumption of their patients.
Discussion.
Media coverage of the swine flu and the state organization of the crisis have lead to an overconsumption estimated to 13%. Many efforts must be done in the future to reassure patients about flu and its vaccination.
Acute fever: has the media coverage of the swine flu generated a medical overconsumption in primary care in France?
Objective.
Based on patient’s declarations, evaluate if the media coverage of the pandemic flu (H1N1) has lead to an overconsumption of primary care. Identify the opinions of the general practionners (GP) concerning this media coverage and the health crisis.
Methods.
A prospective study, based on an electronic questionnaire, was conducted during the main period of the pandemic flu. Each GP was invited to include one patient who presented fever since less than 2 days, associated to two of four following clinical signs: cough, headache, coat throat and ache.
Results.
730 questionnaires were fully completed and analyzed. 96 patients (12,9%) have declared to the GP an overconsumption, and two thirds of them because of their concern about the swine flu and a quarter because the social control. This concern was noted by 80% of the GP from the beginning of the flu. 77% of the GP have considered the media coverage of the flu alarming, while 69% of them have declared to feel serene concerning the pandemic. No statistic link has been noticed between the GP opinions and the overconsumption of their patients.
Discussion.
Media coverage of the swine flu and the state organization of the crisis have lead to an overconsumption estimated to 13%. Many efforts must be done in the future to reassure patients about flu and its vaccination.