[Patient's preferences for repeat prescriptions in general practice].

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of chronic diseases regularly increases thus focusing quality of care as a priority in chronically illness. In 2014, prescription renewal was the first reason of outpatient visit in French general practice. In fact, the follow-up of chronic disease may be somewhat longer and more complex than other standard cares. This work aimed to explore patients' preferences with regard to prescription renewal and its variation according to their own illness profiles.

METHODS: Between June and July 2014, patient perceptions were collected through a self-administered questionnaire addressed to adults from 14 French GPs offices.

RESULTS: In one month, 307 questionnaires were returned. More than two-third patients (69.7%) evaluated the physician intervention as important as for another reason. The prescription was essential or very important for 70%. Priority points were those related to share therapeutic options with the physician and to obtain more information on their own illness. Older were more seeking for information on symptoms and disease than younger (OR=1.14 [1.03-1.23]).

CONCLUSION: Patients are dealing with their own monitoring of chronic diseases. They expect more information and they look for shared decisions. The term "renewal" does not match their expectations thus leading against patient preference: we advocate substituting it to "prescription revaluation".