Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted General Practitioners (GPs) immensely. Work patterns have changed, risk stratification has been proposed and clinicians’ mental health have been adversely affected. The COVID-19 prevalence amongst GPs is unknown. This study focuses on assessing the impact of COVID-19 on GPs in Leicestershire, the first UK city to lockdown locally. Aim This survey assessed the prevalence of COVID-19 in GPs and explored GP work patterns in comparison to national guidance. It evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on GP stress perception, using a validated perceived stress tool. Design and Setting The cross-sectional retrospective survey was sent to all the GPs in Leicestershire. Methodology 111 GPs in Leicestershire took part voluntarily in an anonymised questionnaire-based study. A 29-item survey using SMARTsurvey software was designed with multiple choice and Linkert response scale questions. Ethical approval was not applicable. Results The COVID-19 prevalence in GPs was 8.1%. 70.3% of GPs were of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) origin. 91.9% of GPs had undergone risk stratification. 79.3% of GPs felt supported by their practice but only 59.5% felt supported with mental health. GPs described feeling more stressed during the COVID-19 pandemic than they had been previously. Conclusion This is the first study evaluating COVID-19 prevalence amongst GPs in Leicestershire. Despite government interventions, GPs felt less supported with their mental health. Thus, the National Health Service England should focus on GP stress and wellbeing as they work towards the restoration and recovery of primary care and prepare for a second peak.
- Received September 9, 2020.
- Accepted October 15, 2020.
- Copyright © 2020, The Authors
This article is Open Access: CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)