Distress and Wellbeing among General Practitioners in 33 Countries during COVID-19: Results from the Cross-Sectional PRICOV-19 Study to Inform Health System Interventions

Abstract

Emerging literature is highlighting the huge toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline health workers. However, prior to the crisis, the wellbeing of this group was already of concern. The aim of this paper is to describe the frequency of distress and wellbeing, measured by the expanded 9-item Mayo Clinic Wellbeing Index (eWBI), among general practitioners/family physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify levers to mitigate the risk of distress. Data were collected by means of an online self-reported questionnaire among GP practices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software using Version 7 of the database, which consisted of the cleaned data of 33 countries available as of 3 November 2021. Data from 3711 respondents were included. eWBI scores ranged from −2 to 9, with a median of 3. Using a cutoff of ≥2, 64.5% of respondents were considered at risk of distress. GPs with less experience, in smaller practices, and with more vulnerable patient populations were at a higher risk of distress. Significant differences in wellbeing scores were noted between countries. Collaboration from other practices and perception of having adequate governmental support were significant protective factors for distress. It is necessary to address practice- and system-level organizational factors in order to enhance wellbeing and support primary care physicians.

Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Led to Changes in the Tasks of the Primary Care Workforce? An International Survey among General Practices in 38 Countries (PRICOV-19)

“…An important consideration is whether changes will be sustained after the pandemic. Some of the changes, such as a more outreaching approach to patients by GPs and staff, are generally relevant, given demographic and morbidity changes and the tendency for people to stay longer in their own living environment [ 23 ]. It is noticeable that more task changes were found in practices with an older patient population and with more patients with a chronic condition.…”

Screening for and Disclosure of Domestic Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of the PRICOV-19 Cross-Sectional Study in 33 Countries

“…No significant associations were found in the task-shifting variables due to the COVID-19 pandemic or the mental wellbeing of the GPs. While evidence has accumulated of increased workload, overburden, and burnout of primary care physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 43 , 52 ], it did not seem to affect screening habits of the GP, or stop/encourage patients to disclose during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…In each partner country, the consortium partner(s) recruited primary care practices following a predefined recruitment procedure [ 40 ], which is shown in the Supplementary Materials ( Table S1 ). Sampling and recruitment are detailed elsewhere [ 40 , 43 ]. One questionnaire was completed per practice, at least one reminder was sent in all countries, and the overall response rate was 27.8%.…”

Covid-19 pandemic induced traumatizing medical job contents and mental health distortions of physicians working in private practices and in hospitals

“…Covid-19 induced distress was associated with higher psychotropic drug use in the last twelve months, or increased alcohol or tobacco consumption due to work-related stress 12 . Recently, Collins et al 13 analysed mental health among 3711 GPs/family physicians in 33 countries during Covid-19 and revealed that almost 65% of respondents were at risk of distress. GPs with less experience, in smaller practices, and with more vulnerable patient populations were at a higher risk.…”