The aim of this study is to describe, from the perspective of general practitioners, the role of relatives and caregivers who accompany a patient in their consultation and treatment processes. 435 general practitioners filled out two questionnaires: the first was self administered and the second described specific clinical situations and the possible role of the family caregiver in the case of a patient with Alzheimer's diseases, Parkinson's disease, depression, epilepsy, asthma, cardiovascular disease, or type II diabetes. General practitioners think that overall they offer satisfactory responses to relatives' requests and concerns regarding the disease itself and its treatment. However, they do not feel skilled or qualified enough to answer them with regard to administrative or social questions. The relative's role is for the most part, perceived as positive, and seems to contribute to the efficacy of the care provided. This description corresponds to a new trend in modern medical practice, dominated by the burden of chronic and disabling diseases which implies, and in some cases requires, the need to involve a relative's presence and on-going support.
L'univers du « care » désigne le tissu relationnel dans lequel s'effectue la prise en charge de la vulnérabilité au sein des familles. Il se caractérise par une proximité affective, des valeurs, des représentations et des logiques d'acteurs spécifiques. Il se distingue de l'univers biomédi-cal contemporain des soins tels que l'institution, hospitalière notamment, l'a forgé. À l'occasion d'une maladie grave, les deux univers sont confrontés l'un à l'autre. Notamment, lorsqu'il est envisagé d'associer le proche de la personne malade aux soins, leur interpénétration peut s'avérer délicate. Elle nécessite pré-paration, accompagnement et réflexion des limites.Abstract: The world of care signifies the social fabric in which the family addresses issues of vulnerability. It is characterized by emotional closeness, values, representations and individual strategies. This differs from the modern biomedical world of treatment constructed by institutions such as hospitals.Faced by serious illness, these two worlds collide. Most notably, their interpenetration can become tricky when family caregivers take on curative care. Such a decision requires preparation, appropriate support and an understanding of its limits.
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