FAMILY MEDICINE AS SEEN BY OTHER MEDICAL SPECIALTIES

ABSTRACT Background: The perceptions of other medical specialists towards Family Medicine have not been investigated sufficiently in Kurdistan Region. The aim of this study is to explore their perceptions on attitudes and communication with family doctors and to see if more collaboration is needed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the grounds of public hospitals and tertiary health centers in the city of Duhok, involving 111 specialist doctors, all of whom were clinicians and employees of Duhok Directorate General of Health from March 2022 to March 2023. Results: Seventy three percent of the specialists stated that family doctors should be the main care provider to the patients. The thought of family doctors undermining the private practice could not be dismissed (41% Yes versus 41% No). They admitted family doctors reduce burden on them (68%). While 63% stated that family doctors are cooperative, the vast majority (99%) reported that more collaboration is needed. Only 54% supported consultations through family doctors. Also 86% of surveyed specialists encouraged regular meetings with family doctors. One-third of specialists viewed the quality of Family Medicine in the local area as being good, and 46% expressed confidence in the competency of family doctors. Finally, most specialists (82%) viewed communication between family doctors and specialists as being weak. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that other specialists had positive attitudes toward Family Medicine and its future. However, they had less confidence in local Family Medicine practices, communication and collaboration. Additionally, this study stresses the need for better communication and further collaboration between family doctors and specialists.