Background During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic various ambulatory health care models (SARS-CoV-2 contact points) were organised in a short period in Baden-Wuerttemberg, a region in Southern Germany. The aim of these SARS-CoV-2 contact points was to ensure medical treatment for patients with (suspected) and without SARS-CoV-2 infection. The present study aimed to assess the beliefs and practices of primary care physicians who either led a SARS-CoV-2 contact point or a primary care practice in Baden-Wuerttemberg during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods This cross-sectional study was based on a paper-based questionnaire in primary care physicians during the first wave of the pandemic. Participants were identified via the web page of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians Baden-Wuerttemberg. The questionnaire was distributed between June and July 2020. It measured knowledge, practices, self-efficacy and fears towards SARS-CoV-2, using newly developed questions. Data was descriptively analysed.
Results 155 participants (92 leads of SARS-CoV-2 contact points/ 63 leads of primary care practices) completed the questionnaire. About half participants of both groups did not fear an own infection with the novel virus (between 50.8% and 65.2%), however about 75 % feared financial loss. Knowledge was gained using various sources; main sources were the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (between 79.3% and 82.5%) and the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (RKI) (between 88.9% and 94.6%). SARS-CoV-2 contact points treated on average more patients with (suspected) COVID-19 (mean 431.59) than primary care practices (mean 83.8) (p<0.001). Leads of SARS-CoV-2 contact point felt more confident to perform anamnestic/diagnostic procedures (p<0.001). The same was found for the confidence level regarding decision-making concerning the further treatment (p<0.001). Several prevention measures to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 were adopted.
Conclusion Although primary care physicians rose to the challenges of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic addressing their fears is essential. Next to adequate remuneration for COVID-19 care, support in the clinical and administrative management as well as a robust organisation of care are key issues to prevent exhaustion in the challenge of a prolonged response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Trial registration The study has been prospectively registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00022224).