Primary care providers across Europe were able to rapidly transform delivery of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite many challenges, according to an analysis published today.

The researchers also found that providers who have autonomy and the ability to respond quickly are best positioned to adapt to a future crisis. The pandemic has seen practices have to close their doors and restrict patient access while transferring consultations to the telephone and other media. They have also had to grapple with staff sickness and the high risks faced by health workers.

Dr Marta Wanat of the University of Oxford, UK, and her team report in the British Journal of General Practice today on their study of primary care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. They point out that most previous analyses have mainly focused on secondary care. The researchers carried out 80 interviews with primary care providers in England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Greece and Sweden, between April and July 2020.

“Despite being overwhelmed with guidance, they often lacked access to practical training,” say the authors. “Consequently, primary care providers turned to their colleagues for moral support and information to try to quickly adjust to new ways of working, including remote care, and deal with uncertainty.”

The paper states that representation of primary care at policy level, and engagement with local primary care champions, facilitates easy and coordinated access to support on adapting services, training, and access to mental health support services.

Dr Wanat said: “The study highlighted both unique as well as more universal challenges facing primary care healthcare professionals in different European countries. It is important to acknowledge that primary care has shown a great resilience and resourcefulness in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued provision of both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related care. Our work is not only relevant for delivery of care during this ongoing health emergency but also in informing preparedness for future pandemics.”