Continuity of care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Qualitative results from a mixed-methods study

ConclusionsDuring the first wave, there was a mismatch between 1) GPs' reported availability/preparedness to adequately care for at-risk patients, and 2) some GPs discouraging at-risk patients to come for consultations, at-risk patients' perceptions that their care was not “urgent” in a pandemic setting, and patient perceptions that GPs were otherwise unavailable/overburdened.Key messagesQualitative data offer explanations for health service use reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results provide potential paths forward and highlight GP views of being an underutilized resource.
Source: The European Journal of Public Health - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research