ABSTRACT
Background Health care assistants (HCA) are the first point of contact for patients in family physician practices. The presented work deals with the SARS-CoV2 pandemic from the perspective of HCA and the possible conclusions from their experiences. So far no systematic study has investigated this subject yet. Methods Practices in four German federal states were randomly selected and HCAs were asked to participate in guided telephone interviews. The interviews were analysed qualitatively according to Kuckartz. Results In 2020, from August to December, 28 interviews were conducted with 34 HCAs (23 single, 4 double and one triple interview). The HCAs reported additional work due to the pandemic: organizational restructuring to ensure compliance with hygiene guidelines, increased need of advice, testing, new billing procedures, procurement of protective clothing, and information while information flow was experienced as unstructured. Financial losses in the practices due to patient absenteeism, fear of infection, private stress factors and lack of appreciation on the part of politics and society were the main concerns of the interviewees. Patient care in the practices was assessed as assured, but negative effects for patients were seen due to the suspension of early detection screenings. The care of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients was mostly well managed. Conclusions To support HCAs in the pandemic, relief is needed: testing/vaccination centers, clear testing and billing rules. To increase safety, sufficient protective equipment and comprehensible and reliable information for HCAs and patients are important. An intensive exchange within the team helps to cope with the new demands in the course of the pandemic. Appreciating the extra work of HCAs during the pandemic (not only) by means of bonus payments could contribute to strengthening the reputation of the profession.
ABSTRACT
As of the start of the COVID-19-pandemic, basis undergraduate, postgraduate as well as continuous medical education had often been switched to e-learning. This is a chance and a challenge at the same time. In this work, we describe the e-learning experiences of the competence center for postgraduate medical education in Baden-Württemberg. We aim to support broad implementation of e-learning by the exchange of educational as well as organizational approaches. In March 2020, we planned synchronic (live) webinars with asynchronic preparation and postprocessing (flipped classroom). We focused on elements to improve interaction. All the process was managed with respect to the program curriculum in a multicentered team. In 2020, n = 263 postgraduate trainees in family medicine (FM trainees) participated in n = 12 online single seminar days of the KWBW Verbundweiterbildungplus. Due to multiple participation, they induced n = 379 participations. N = 353 evaluations could be included (93,1 % response rate). 77 % (n = 182/236) assessed the use of the software Zoom® with satisfying or very satisfying, 75 % (n = 122/163) the use of the software Heiconf® with satisfying or very satisfying. 59 % (n = 208) wanted to continue with seminar days during workdays, whereas 26 % (n = 91) wished for trainings on Saturdays. A technical check was rated as very helpful. From the organizational point of view, an additional lecturer (= moderator) was necessary. Some lecturers needed extra support in advance of the e-learning. We provide didactic elements that can help to improve the interaction between participants which have to be planned ahead. We present a successful approach to face the educational and organizational challenges of e-learning. E-learning was broadly accepted which supports permanent implementation. However, social and collegial interaction is both, most challenging and most important for postgraduate training in family medicine. Therefore, approaches supporting the interaction in e-learning should be developed and implemented. © 2021, Deutscher Arzte-Verlag GmbH. All rights reserved.