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Primary health care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative exploration of the challenges and changes in practice experienced by GPs and GP trainees.
Grut, Minka; de Wildt, Gilles; Clarke, Joanne; Greenfield, Sheila; Russell, Alice.
  • Grut M; Birmingham Medical School, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
  • de Wildt G; Birmingham Medical School, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
  • Clarke J; Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
  • Greenfield S; Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
  • Russell A; Birmingham Medical School, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
PLoS One ; 18(2): e0280733, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2230552
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly changed general practice in the UK. Research is required to understand how General Practitioners (GPs) and GP trainees adjusted to these changes, so that beneficial changes might be sustained, and Primary Health Care (PHC) can be prepared for future challenges. This study explored the experiences and perspectives of GP and GP trainees during the pandemic.

METHODS:

Remote, semi-structured interviews (n = 21) were conducted with GPs (n = 11) and GP trainees (n = 10), recruited from across the UK using convenience and purposive sampling. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interview data were analysed with an inductive thematic approach.

RESULTS:

Five overarching themes were identified (1) 'Thrown in at the deep end'; (2) Telemedicine 'it needs to be a happy balance'; (3) Delayed referrals and 'holding' patients; (4) The Covid Cohort-training in Covid; (5) Suggestions and lessons for the future of general practice'. GPs reported a turbulent and uncertain time of major changes to PHC. They described the benefits of technology in general medicine, particularly telemedicine, when used in a balanced manner, highlighting the need for accompanying teaching and guidelines, and the importance of patient preferences. Key tools to help GPs manage patients with delayed referrals to Secondary Care were also identified.

CONCLUSION:

Several key changes to general practice occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a rapid uptake of telemedicine. The pandemic exposed the strengths and limitations of normal general practice and highlighted the importance of workplace camaraderie. These findings contribute to the evidence base used to adapt PHC infrastructures as we emerge from the pandemic.
Subject(s)

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: General Practice / General Practitioners / COVID-19 Type of study: Cohort study / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: PLoS One Journal subject: Science / Medicine Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Journal.pone.0280733

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: General Practice / General Practitioners / COVID-19 Type of study: Cohort study / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: PLoS One Journal subject: Science / Medicine Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Journal.pone.0280733