COVID-19 challenges faced by general practitioners in Australia: a survey study conducted in March 2021

• Published in: Australian journal of primary health 2021-10, Vol.27 (5), p.357-363
• Main Authors: Copp, Tessa, Isautier, Jennifer M. J., Nickel, Brooke, Pickles, Kristen, Tracy, Marguerite, Doust, Jenny, Bonner, Carissa, Dodd, Rachael H., Ayre, Julie, Cvejic, Erin, Trevena, Lyndal, Manocha, Ramesh, McCaffery, Kirsten J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Content analysis; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; COVID-19 vaccines; Family physicians; General practice; Immunization; Influenza; Information needs; Pandemics; Polls & surveys; Primary care; Public health; Response rates; Risk communication; Vaccines
• ISSN: 1448-7527; 1836-7399
• DOI: 10.1071/PY21165

Limited studies at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic found GPs have been negatively affected by increased workload, reduced income and major concerns about staff and patient safety. This study aimed to investigate the challenges of COVID-19 in general practice 1 year since it was declared a pandemic. A national cross-sectional online survey was conducted in March 2021 of a convenience sample of 295 Australian GPs attending an online educational webcast. Twenty-five multipart and free-text questions collected information regarding GPs’ main COVID-19-related issues and concerns, including COVID-19 vaccines, useful sources of information, information needs and their perceived role as GPs in COVID-19 management. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all quantitative variables. Content analysis was used to analyse text data from open-ended questions. Of the 596 eligible attendees of the online educational webcast, 295 completed the survey (49.5% response rate). One year since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, GPs still have concerns regarding patients ignoring prescreening and presenting with flu-like symptoms, the safety of their colleagues and family and catching COVID-19 themselves, as well as concerns about the effect of the pandemic on their patients and patients delaying essential care for non-COVID-19 conditions. More education and resources about vaccines was identified as the top information need, which will assist with what GPs’ perceived to be their key roles in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, namely educating the public, correcting misunderstandings and providing the COVID-19 vaccine. These findings highlight gaps in communication and information, particularly regarding COVID-19 vaccines. GPs need high-quality information and resources to support them in undertaking complex risk communication with their patients.