Abstract
BackgroundGeneral practitioners (GPs) are the mainstay of primary care and play a critical role in pandemics. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, this international study aimed to explore changes in the workload of general practitioners, as well as their interactions with patients and colleagues, and their self-confidence and concerns.MethodsAn online survey was conducted among GPs in Austria and Germany. Participants were asked to answer a basic questionnaire and participate in a subsequent longitudinal survey containing closed and open-ended items. All data were pseudonymized.ResultsOverall, 723 general practitioners from Austria and Germany took part in the longitudinal survey over a period of 12 weeks (April 3–July 2, 2020). The majority of GPs had less direct contact with patients at the beginning of the survey (96 vs. 49% at the end of the study period). At first, doctors were mainly concerned with pandemic-related issues and had to care for the patients of GP colleagues that were in quarantine, which meant they had less time for routine work such as screenings and treating chronic diseases. Over the survey period, GPs' self-confidence increased and their concerns about income loss decreased.ConclusionsFollowing a difficult initial phase when protective equipment and information were lacking, physicians in primary care adapted quickly to new situations. Experience with telemedicine should help them face future challenges and may help prevent a decline in the delivery of routine health care and care for chronically ill patients.RegistrationTrial registration at the German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00021231.
Highlights
Doctors were mainly concerned with pandemic-related issues and had to care for the patients of general practitioners (GPs) colleagues that were in quarantine, which meant they had less time for routine work such as screenings and treating chronic diseases
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a special situation for general practitioners (GPs) throughout the world
GPs working in a single-handed practice (23.9 vs. 29.2%) and GPs from Austria (23.7 vs. 27.9%) were less likely to answer more than one survey
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a special situation for general practitioners (GPs) throughout the world. Beginning with the first wave, GPs in Austria dispensed electronic prescriptions, which they transmitted directly to the pharmacies their patients frequented. During this initial phase, it became possible for patients to demand sick leave certificates by telephone without the need to first be examined. It became possible for patients to demand sick leave certificates by telephone without the need to first be examined Such facilitated services for patients and doctors will remain in place when the pandemic is over [4]. General practitioners (GPs) are the mainstay of primary care and play a critical role in pandemics. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, this international study aimed to explore changes in the workload of general practitioners, as well as their interactions with patients and colleagues, and their self-confidence and concerns
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