General practitioners' knowledge, preparedness, and experiences of managing COVID-19 in Australia

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Sotomayor-Castillo, Cristina
Nahidi, Shizar
Li, Cecilia
Hespe, Charlotte
Burns, Penelope L
Shaban, Ramon Z
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2021
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has brought unprecedented demands to general practitioners (GPs) worldwide. We examined their knowledge, preparedness, and experiences managing COVID-19 in Australia. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey of GPs members of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) was conducted between June and September 2020. RESULTS: Out of 244 survey responses, a majority of GPs (76.6%) indicated having good knowledge of COVID-19, relying mostly on state/territory department of health (84.4%) and the RACGP (76.2%) websites to source up-to-date information. Most felt prepared to manage patients with COVID-19 (75.7%), yet over half reported not receiving training in the use of PPE. The majority were concerned about contracting SARS-CoV-2, more stressed than usual, and have heavier workloads. Their greatest challenges included scarcity of PPE, personal distress, and information overload. CONCLUSION: Access to PPE, training, accurate information, and preparedness are fundamental for the successful role of general practices during outbreaks.

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Infection, Disease & Health

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This publication has been entered in Griffith Research Online as an advanced online version.

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Subject

Health services and systems

Public health

COVID-19

General practitioners

Outbreaks

Personal protective equipment

Primary health care

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Sotomayor-Castillo, C; Nahidi, S; Li, C; Hespe, C; Burns, PL; Shaban, RZ, General practitioners' knowledge, preparedness, and experiences of managing COVID-19 in Australia, Infection, Disease & Health, 2021

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