Résumé
Minor trauma, which can be treated by general practitioners, accounts for a significant proportion of emergency room visits. In comparison, this proportion is much lower in general practice. The main objective of this study is to investigate the reasons why patients spontaneously turn to the emergency department rather than to the general practitioner for minor trauma. Methods: this is a qualitative study based on a thematic analysis of patients' comments, collected during semi-structured interviews in general practices in Lozère and Pyrénées Orientales (Occitanie, France). Results: 27 interviews were analyzed between May and July 2023. The reasons given concerned the nature of the trauma; the patient; difficulties accessing GPs; the attractiveness of emergency departments and the assumed roles and skills of primary care actors. Conclusions: many determinants explain this preferential use of the emergency department rather than the GP. Further studies could evaluate the trauma practice of GPs in the region. Eventually, this could contribute to a better distribution of minor trauma management between GPs and emergency departments.