ABSTRACT
Background: Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic medical practices have implemented diverse protective measures to contain the pandemic, practice organization and structures were adapted. In order to get information about patients' perception of their doctors' visit during the pandemic, we conducted a patient survey in medical practices. Method(s): Cross-sectional study of 58 patients, who were interviewed in four medical practices (family physicians and specialists) in the South West of Munich from 02.04.-17.04.2020 on the following topics: "personal risk assessment", "sense of security and perception of protection measures in the practice setting", "importance of the doctor's visit" and "change of medication, nicotine consumption". By means of a questionnaire with 24 items, data were collected anonymously. Results are presented descriptively and via ANOVA as well as via linear regression. Result(s): The personal risk assessments for COVID-19-disease and for a severe course of COVID-19 were rated low moderate, independent of sex or age. Around 8% of the surveyed patients discussed their personal risk with their doctors. The sense of security in the practice setting was rated high. The rating of the protection equipment was good as well, and closely met expectations. The personal importance of the visit varied. Only 6% had considered cancelling their visit beforehand. A change of medication due to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was not observed. Conclusion(s): The patient survey provides a snapshot of the outpatient setting from the patient's perspective in a hyperdynamic pandemic situation. Yet, due to the small study population, the results have to be interpreted with caution.Copyright © 2021, Deutscher Arzteverlag.