Problems experienced by primary care physicians during covid-19 pandemic and solution proposals: A qualitative research

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: In our study; interviews with primary care physicians were aimed to evaluate the problems faced by primary care physicians providing primary health care during the COVID-19 pandemic process and the solution proposals for these problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted using the qualitative method with 40 primary care physicians working in Sakarya Province between 1.10.2020-31.10.2020. The data in the study were collected using a semi-structured interview form that included questions on socio-demographic characteristics and problems experienced during the pandemic process and solutions to these problems. The data obtained through the in-depth interview technique are grouped under themes and categories. The grouped data were analyzed by coding. RESULTS: Of the 40 participants, 23 were men and 17 were women. The mean age was 41.15 ± 8.28 standard deviations (SD) years. The mean length of the participants' practice time was 16.38 ± 8.22 (SD) years and the mean length of the participants' primary care medicine practice was 8.28 ± 3.04 (SD) years. Among the participants' stated about the problems they experienced while working in the COVID-19 pandemic; the problem of adaptation to the changing system comes to the fore due to the lack of appropriate physical conditions, lack of protective equipment, unnecessary applications, additional payments, unconsciousness of the patients, uncertain role distribution and the pandemic. When the participants were asked for their advice on the role of primary care physicians in the pandemic and the functioning of primary health care, they conveyed their opinions on improving physical conditions, arrangements regarding appointment system and reports, changes in task distribution, cooperation and communication with other health institutions. They stated that during the pandemic process, more comprehensive guidelines and algorithms should be created for primary healthcare, job descriptions should be determined and training should be provided for primary care physicians. They emphasized that the experiences and ideas of primary care physicians should be included in the management of the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: A strong and effective primary healthcare service is needed to protect the public from risks and to manage pandemics. In order to be prepared for future pandemics with a better quality and efficient service, we think that primary care physicians' experiences in the pandemic and the problems they face should be examined and their advice should be used. KEY WORDS: Family medicine; Primary healthcare; COVID-19; Pandemia; Qualitative research