Jerrald Lau1, David Hsien-Yung Tan2, Gretel Jianlin Wong3, Yii-Jen Lew4, Ying-Xian Chua5, Lian-Leng Low6, Gerald Choon-Huat Koh7, Thiam-Soo Kwek8, Sue-Anne Ee-Shiow Toh9, Ker-Kan Tan10. 1. Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: ephlxj@nus.edu.sg. 2. National University Polyclinics, Singapore; College of Family Physicians Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: david_hy_tan@nuhs.edu.sg. 3. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: gretelwong@nus.edu.sg. 4. National University Polyclinics, Singapore. Electronic address: yii_jen_lew@nuhs.edu.sg. 5. National University Polyclinics, Singapore. Electronic address: ying_xian_chua@nuhs.edu.sg. 6. College of Family Physicians Singapore, Singapore; Family Medicine and Continuing Care, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. Electronic address: low.lian.leng@sgh.com.sg. 7. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: gerald_koh@nus.edu.sg. 8. Primary Care Network, National University Health System, Singapore. Electronic address: prismark69@yahoo.com. 9. Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: mdcsates@nus.edu.sg. 10. Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: surtkk@nus.edu.sg.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Primary care physicians (PCP) are at a high risk of contracting COVID-19 as they manage patients with fever or respiratory symptoms, but it is intuitive that private and public practice PCPs may face different challenges during this pandemic. This study compared work- and non-work-related concerns, COVID-19's impact on personal and professional lives, and perceived pandemic preparedness between private and public PCPs in Singapore. METHODS: 216 PCPs who were a registered member of either the National University Polyclinics, National University Health System Primary Care Network or College of Family Physicians Singapore, participated in this online cross-sectional study. The data collection period lasted from 6th March 2020 to 29th March 2020. RESULTS: A final sample of 172 questionnaires were analysed. Private PCPs tended to be older and more experienced. Perceived COVID-19 exposure and overall preparedness was high in both groups. More private PCPs perceived their exposure risk as unacceptable, aOR = 3.96 (1.07, 14.62); that they should not be caring for COVID-19 patients, aOR = 3.55 (1.23, 10.24); and perceived more stigma against their loved ones, aOR = 4.27 (1.74, 10.44). Private PCPs felt less well-trained, aOR = 0.05 (0.01, 0.23); and supported, aOR = 0.14 (0.03, 0.63). CONCLUSIONS: Private PCPs are more likely to be self-employed or work in smaller practices where COVID-19 infection could mean loss of livelihood. As a healthcare system without primary care is crippled in its ability to manage outbreaks, authorities should respond appropriately to the needs of their general practitioners and family physicians.
PURPOSE: Primary care physicians (PCP) are at a high risk of contracting COVID-19 as they manage patients with fever or respiratory symptoms, but it is intuitive that private and public practice PCPs may face different challenges during this pandemic. This study compared work- and non-work-related concerns, COVID-19's impact on personal and professional lives, and perceived pandemic preparedness between private and public PCPs in Singapore. METHODS: 216 PCPs who were a registered member of either the National University Polyclinics, National University Health System Primary Care Network or College of Family Physicians Singapore, participated in this online cross-sectional study. The data collection period lasted from 6th March 2020 to 29th March 2020. RESULTS: A final sample of 172 questionnaires were analysed. Private PCPs tended to be older and more experienced. Perceived COVID-19 exposure and overall preparedness was high in both groups. More private PCPs perceived their exposure risk as unacceptable, aOR = 3.96 (1.07, 14.62); that they should not be caring for COVID-19patients, aOR = 3.55 (1.23, 10.24); and perceived more stigma against their loved ones, aOR = 4.27 (1.74, 10.44). Private PCPs felt less well-trained, aOR = 0.05 (0.01, 0.23); and supported, aOR = 0.14 (0.03, 0.63). CONCLUSIONS: Private PCPs are more likely to be self-employed or work in smaller practices where COVID-19infection could mean loss of livelihood. As a healthcare system without primary care is crippled in its ability to manage outbreaks, authorities should respond appropriately to the needs of their general practitioners and family physicians.
Authors: Patrick Kierkegaard; Timothy Hicks; A Joy Allen; Yaling Yang; Gail Hayward; Margaret Glogowska; Brian D Nicholson; Peter Buckle Journal: Implement Sci Commun Date: 2021-12-18
Authors: Ee Ming Khoo; Adina Abdullah; Su May Liew; Norita Hussein; Nik Sherina Hanafi; Ping Yein Lee; Khatijah Lim Abdullah; Lelamekala Vengidasan; Ahmad Ihsan Bin Abu Bakar; Hilary Pinnock; Tracy Jackson Journal: BMC Prim Care Date: 2022-10-13