Intérêt des médecins généralistes exerçant en zones isolées à La Réunion pour le dispositif de médecins correspondants du SAMU

Background: In Réunion Island, mountainous geography and the concentration of healthcare facilities along the coast lead to unequal access to emergency care. The “SAMU Corresponding Physicians” (MCS) scheme, implemented in mainland France, aims to strengthen prehospital medical response in isolated areas. No similar initiative currently exists on the island.Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among general practitioners working in areas identified as priority or of interest by Dr. Brès (2024). An online questionnaire assessed their interest in the MCS scheme (primary outcome), their knowledge of the system, their perception of local challenges, and the main barriers and facilitators to participation.Results: Fifty-five physicians responded (response rate: 39%). Nearly half (45%) expressed interest in becoming MCS. These physicians were more often under 50 years old and practicing in facilities equipped to manage emergencies. Interest in additional training in emergency medicine was significantly associated with willingness to become MCS (p = 0.002). Only 7% initially knew about the scheme, but nine out of ten considered its implementation relevant after presentation. The main facilitators were training in emergency medicine (69%) and access to appropriate equipment (64%), while the main barriers were workload (82%) and administrative constraints (55%).Conclusion: The interest shown in the MCS scheme in Réunion Island exceeds that reported in most mainland studies. These findings support the feasibility of a local deployment, provided it is supported by strong institutional coordination. The Regional Health Agency, in collaboration with SAMU and CESU, could play a key role in developing a pilot network of SAMU Corresponding Physicians adapted to the island’s specific context.