gms | German Medical Science

Background and status of (inter)national research: The international study PRICOV-19 initiated by Ghent University aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the organisation and quality of Primary Health Care (PHC) [1]. With regard to Germany, the health care system was confronted with a myriad of measures to control the pandemic. Within the scope of PRICOV-19, the German part wanted to put the perspectives of German general practitioners (GPs) into focus.

Research question and objective: It was explored how the German GPs perceived the health policy measures and the changes on PHC in general and how this influenced their perception of practitioners of a medical profession. Accordingly, the following research question arose: How have the pandemic measures affected the perception and role of German GPs?

Method or hypothesis: Data collection took place throughout Germany in February 2021 using a quantitative online questionnaire that included an open text field for further comments. GPs were recruited through a snowball procedure (n=300 practices). The questionnaire was analysed through descriptive quantitative analysis which also revealed a frequent, extensive utilisation of the open text field. For that, a quantitative (mean comparisons, measures of correlation) as well as a qualitative approach (Mayring) was followed.

Results: The qualitative analysis of the open text field showed that the GPs perceived their work and role as highly relevant during the pandemic. Additionally, one of the main topics discussed were the health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the main points of concern was the way GPs were not sufficiently acknowledged for their contribution to ensuring high-quality care. From the GP perspectives, the dissatisfaction with political communication and inadequate cooperation overruled concerns about the work processes and the virus itself. Quantitative analyses are still ongoing. Results will be available by the time of the congress.

Discussion: This study revealed GPs’ perceptions of their own role and allowed to classify their own underlying understanding of their profession during this pandemic. The GPs described political conditions in which they were the ones who contributed significantly to the fight against the pandemic but were not given enough recognition from the German health care system. This finding showed an unclear position of GPs in the overall structure of the pandemic.

Practical implications: A discussion of the results is necessary in order to be able to develop practical solutions and recommendations for GP practices. Even more so since there is a strong focus on political dimensions, which could be particularly important in terms of professional theory.

Appeal for practice (science and/or care) in one sentence: German health policymakers should involve GP expertise in such crisis situations at an early stage and should address them in an appreciative manner.