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
Background In December 2019 the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected for the first time in China and spread rapidly across the globe (corona-virus pandemic). Family physicians were forced to adapt quickly to constantly changing conditions. Little is known about the situation of German young family physicians and doctors in post-graduate specialty training when the pandemic hit the country. Methods A anonymous online survey among the members of JADE (“Junge Allgemeinmedizin Deutschland”) contained 15 questions, some providing the option to answer freely. The survey evaluated workload, salary, availability of protective equipment and fears regarding an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Only descriptive data analyses were performed. Results 414 of 1605 (26 %) members of JADE participated. 296 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Almost 80 % of the participants were female. While 72 % reported a reduction of the workload, 13 % noticed an increase. 22 % of employed family physicians and 10 % of doctors in vocational training had to reduce their weekly workload due to short-time work. While most family physicians in specialty training (81 %) and employed family physicians (93 %) did not report a change in salary, 89 % of practice owners reported financial losses. All participants reported a significant lack of protective equipment. About two thirds of the participants considered an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus during work to be a probable risk. Half of the doctors in specialty training reported a worse learning situation. Conclusions This survey provided important insights into the work situation of young family physicians during the coronavirus pandemic. Future pandemics should not have an impact on the quality of specialty training. Politicians, medical associations and authorities should support practice owners and their employees financially and by providing sufficient protective equipment.