The Professional and Psycho-Emotional Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Care—A Romanian GPs’ Perspective

Stafie, Celina Silvia; Profire, Lenuța; Apostol, Maria Manuela; Costache, Irina Iuliana

doi:10.3390/ijerph18042031

Cited by 8 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Studies found gender differences, with female GPs reporting worse outcomes on all facets of psychological wellbeing. 30 , 36 , 38 , 39 , 41 , 47 , 48 Similar findings have been reported in other physician groups in China, 60 and greater job strain has been reported among female doctors in dual-doctor marriages during the pandemic. 61 Experiences according to age varied across studies, with higher stress reported in older groups but more anxiety and depression in younger groups.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

“…Seven studies report statistically significant differences in outcomes for female GPs, including higher stress levels, 30 , 36 , 38 , 39 , 47 greater reporting of burden and burnout, 36 , 41 , 47 greater reporting of anxiety, 48 and higher mean post-traumatic stress symptom scores. 36 …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This review of international literature highlights the difficulties that GPs have experienced across healthcare settings during the pandemic and shows there are high levels of work-related stress and burnout. 30 , 32 , 33 , 36 – 42 , 47 , 55 Rates of anxiety and depression varied considerably across international settings, as did the use of tools to measure such outcomes. Studies also lack longitudinal or ‘pre-pandemic’ comparators, which makes drawing firm conclusions regarding the impact of COVID-19 difficult.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Seven studies report statistically significant differences in outcomes for women GPs, including higher stress levels, 30,36,38,39,47 greater reporting of burden and burnout, 36,41,47 greater reporting of anxiety 48 and higher mean PTSS scores. 36 Age Older age was associated with higher stress levels in three studies, 39,49,50 but in Colombian GPs, younger age predicted anxiety 48 and in Portugal greater levels of depression were reported in GPs under 40.…”

Section: Gendermentioning

confidence: 99%

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GP wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

et al. 2022

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Background: Doctors’ organisations in the UK have reported worrying levels of work-related stress and burnout in the general practitioner (GP) workforce for some time, and the COVID-19 pandemic has presented clear new challenges. Aims: To synthesise international evidence exploring the impact of COVID-19 on primary care doctors’ mental health and wellbeing and identify risk factors associated with their psychological wellbeing during this time. Design and setting: Mixed-methods systematic review. Method: We searched six bibliographic databases, Google Scholar and MedRxiv and conducted reference checking to identify studies of GP psychological wellbeing during the pandemic. Two reviewers selected studies, extracted data and assessed the quality of studies using standardised tools. Heterogeneity in outcomes, setting and design prohibited statistical pooling; we combined the studies using a convergent integrated thematic synthesis. Results: Thirty-one studies were included. Multiple sources of stress were identified, including changed working practices, risk, exposure and inadequate PPE, information overload, pandemic preparedness and cohesion across sectors. Studies demonstrated an impact on psychological wellbeing, with some GPs experiencing stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, fear of COVID, lower job satisfaction and physical symptoms. Studies described gender and age differences: women report poorer psychological outcomes across all domains and older GPs reported greater stress and burnout. Use of outcome measures and reporting practice varied greatly. Conclusion: Our review of international evidence demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected GPs’ wellbeing around the world. Further research could explore gender and age differences, identifying interventions targeted to these groups.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 85%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Gendermentioning

confidence: 99%

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GP wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

et al. 2022

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“…Our research revealed different effects on men and women GPs and different use of support services. This is consistent with international literature which reports gender differences in stress, burnout, anxiety and depression 9,21,22,[24][25][26][27] and greater job strain amongst women in dual-doctor marriages during the pandemic. 28 These differences may arise as a result of gendered social norms around willingness to disclose difficulties, or due to socially constructed gender roles in the home that proliferated during COVID-19 lockdowns, negatively impacting women in employment.…”

Section: Comparison With Existing Literaturesupporting

confidence: 92%

General practitioner wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative interview study

Jefferson

Heathcote

Bloor

2022

Preprint

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Background Workload pressures and poor job satisfaction have been reported by UK general practitioners (GPs) for some time. The COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges, with growing international evidence of its negative impact on GP mental health and wellbeing. While there has been wide commentary on this topic, UK research evidence is lacking. Developing greater understanding of these lived experiences and subgroup differences is important as doctor wellbeing may affect the sustainability of health care systems and quality of patient care. Objectives To explore the lived experience of UK GPs during COVID-19, and the pandemic impact on their psychological wellbeing. Design and Setting In-depth qualitative interviews, conducted remotely by telephone or video call, with NHS GPs. Participants GPs were sampled purposively across three career stages (early career, established and late career or retired GPs) with variation in other key demographics. A comprehensive recruitment strategy used multiple channels. Data were analysed thematically using Framework Analysis. Results We interviewed 40 GPs; most described generally negative sentiment and many displayed signs of psychological distress and burnout. Causes of stress and anxiety related to personal risk, workload, practice changes, public perceptions and leadership, teamworking and wider collaboration and personal challenges. GPs described facilitators of their wellbeing, including sources of support and plans to reduce clinical hours or change career path. Conclusions A range of factors detrimentally affected the wellbeing of GPs during the pandemic and we highlight the potential impact of this on workforce retention and quality of care. As the pandemic progresses and general practice faces continued challenges, urgent policy measures are now needed.

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Mental health symptoms in Australian general practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic

Robins–Browne

Putland

et al. 2022

Aust. J. Prim. Health

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Background General practitioners (GPs) play a central role during the COVID-19 pandemic, and yet awareness of their mental health is limited. Methods A nationwide online survey of self-identified frontline healthcare workers was conducted between 27 August and 23 October 2020. Participants were recruited through health and professional organisations, colleges, universities, government contacts, and media. A subset of the findings on GPs and hospital medical staff (HMS) was used for this study. Results Of 9518 responses, there were 389 (4%) GPs and 1966 (21%) HMS. Compared with HMS, GPs received significantly less training on personal protective equipment usage or care for COVID-19 patients, and less support or communication within their workplace. GPs were significantly more concerned about household income, disease transmission to family and being blamed by colleagues if they became infected, all of which were associated with worse psychological outcomes. Significantly more GPs reported burnout, and experienced moderate-to-severe emotional exhaustion than HMS. Both groups used similar coping strategies, except fewer GPs than HMS used digital health applications or increased alcohol consumption. Less than 25% of either group sought professional help. Conclusions GPs are vital in our healthcare systems, yet face unique workplace challenges and mental health stressors during the pandemic. Targeted workplace and psychological support is essential to protect wellbeing among the primary care workforce.

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The Professional and Psycho-Emotional Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Care—A Romanian GPs’ Perspective

Cited by 8 publications

References 29 publications

GP wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

GP wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

General practitioner wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative interview study

Mental health symptoms in Australian general practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic

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