Association Between Primary Care Supply and Population Morbidity and Mortality in France at the Territorial Level

The M-OSP study investigates the association between the density of primary care professionals, including general practitioners (GPs), and population-level health outcomes across 2,850 life-health territories in France. Evidence from several OECD countries suggests higher GP density may reduce mortality, particularly cause-specific mortality such as cardiovascular deaths, but uncertainties remain regarding generalizability and other health outcomes.

This cross-sectional epidemiological study uses aggregated, territory-level data from 2009-2022, including: mortality rates (age- and sex-standardized), hospitalizations (MCO), emergency department visits, and the distribution of primary care professionals and facilities (GPs, nurses, physiotherapists, dentists, midwives, gynecologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and community pharmacies).