Abstract
BackgroundThe new coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) caused by COVID-19 has affected more than 46 million people worldwide. In China, primary care has played a vital role during the COVID-19 outbreak, and it is important to examine the challenges faced by general practitioners (GPs). This study investigated the roles, preparedness and training needs of GPs in China in managing the NCP outbreak. Based on the outcomes of the study, we hope to take lessons and identify how GPs could be supported in delivering their gatekeeping roles and clinical duties in times of infectious disease outbreak.MethodsAn online survey on the official website of Shenzhen Continuing Education Center. It included questions on GPs’ demographics, their awareness of COVID-19 and their preparedness in managing suspected cases of NCP, as well as referrals and their training needs. Conditional multi-variate logistic models were used to investigate the relationships between GPs’ preparedness, situational confidence and anxiety.ResultsGPs’ clinical practice was significantly affected. GPs endeavoured to answer a flood of COVID-19-related enquiries, while undertaking community preventive tasks. In addition to in-person consultations, GP promoted COVID-19 awareness and education through telephone consultations, physical posters and social media. Overall GPs in Shenzhen felt well supported with adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and resources from secondary care services. Higher levels of self-perceived preparedness (OR = 2.19; 95%CI, 1.04–4.61), lower level of anxiety (OR = 0.56; 95%CI, 0.29–1.09) and fewer perceived family worries (OR = 0.37; 95%CI, 0.12–1.12) were associated with better confidence in coping at work.ConclusionsTraining and supporting GPs while reducing their (and their families’) anxiety increase their confidence in delivering the important roles of gatekeeping in face of major disease outbreaks.
Highlights
The new coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) caused by COVID-19 has affected more than 46 million people worldwide
This study examined if the outbreak of NCP had impacted on their primary care practice physically and psychologically, bridging any knowledge gap and identify ways to support general practitioners (GPs) in fighting against the disease and their role in gatekeeping during an epidemic
GPs working in hospitals and Community health centres (CHCs)/private clinics participated in this study were not different in age, gender, or marital status
Summary
The new coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) caused by COVID-19 has affected more than 46 million people worldwide. This study investigated the roles, preparedness and training needs of GPs in China in managing the NCP outbreak. Primary care at the forefront in an emerging disease outbreak could play a significant role in gatekeeping and clinical responses - differentiating patients with various respiratory tract symptoms from NCP, making early diagnosis, managing the vulnerable and anxious general public as well as providing care to the otherwise surging, heavy demand in Accident & Emergency Department in hospitals [5, 6]. The number of hospitalisation could be abridged and clinical outcomes significantly improved with an effective community-level triage system when well-trained primary healthcare providers, doctors and nurses alike, treat patients with mild symptoms and refer those with suspected NCP cases to the hospitals, relieving them with more resources to manage the disease outbreak [7]
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