"Key Differences in American and French CVD Risk Factor Management: Implications for promoting healthy U.S. communities"

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) death rates are significantly lower in France than in the United States, prompting researchers to question whether French and American physicians manage CVD risk factors differently. The purpose of this research is to identify key differences in beliefs about CVD and risk factor management between American and French physicians. Data were drawn from a web-based survey given to American and French primary care physicians. Reported here are the responses to free-text questions regarding physicians' beliefs about CVD death rates, quality of healthcare, and their individual success at managing CVD. Responses were thematically coded, analyzed and tabulated for frequencies and predominant beliefs. The codes were generated using word repetitions and key-words-in-context methods in order to identify themes. The results demonstrate interesting differences between U.S. and French physicians. The doctor-patient relationship is seen as more important to French than US physicians. French physicians report focusing on patient-centered behaviors such as discussing lifestyle modifications, patient education, while taking a more social approach to patient care. French physicians state that time spent with patients is critical to successful prevention and treatment. Also, French physicians are generally satisfied with healthcare in France while the majority of American physicians are not satisfied with healthcare in the United States. Similarities are that both French and American doctors cite lifestyles and diet as being key to lowering CVD risk factors. Some of the best practices identified in this survey could help in policy development to improve the management of cardiovascular risk factors in the US.