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Conditions d’exercice des dermatologues en Bretagne et projection démographique : enquête transversale [Working conditions of dermatologists in Brittany (France) and demographic projection: A cross-sectional survey]

Conditions d’exercice des dermatologues en Bretagne et projection démographique : enquête transversale

Abstract : Background - The number of dermatologists in Brittany is currently decreasing (-4.5% from 2010 to 2014) while waiting times for medical appointments are increasing. Our objective was to evaluate the practice activities of dermatologists and to establish a 5-year demographic projection. Methods - We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Brittany (France) from November 2014 to January 2015. We also interviewed dermatology residents (incoming years: 2010 to 2015), and collected information about their hometown and their career plans in 5years. Results - Response rates were 98% for dermatologists and 100% for residents. Waiting times for appointments increased from 2010 to 2015 (P<0.01). Eighty-seven percent of dermatologists under 50 were women vs. 62% of dermatologists aged 50 and over (P<0.01). The proportion of dermatologists working fewer than 7 half-days per week was higher in women (33% vs. 13%, P=0.02). The number of retirements foreseen in 5years was 33 (52%) among the 63 dermatologists aged 55 and over. Among the 26 residents, 58% were planning to practice in Brittany and 42% were considering part-time work. We estimate that the number of newly graduated dermatologists exercising in Brittany in 5years will be 25. Conclusion - Our results suggest that the number of dermatologists will continue to decrease by 6% between 2015 and 2020.