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Publications

Journal Article Review Epublish

PubMed: 39791639 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13010032

The Family Doctor in the "COVID-19 Era".

Healthcare (Basel) 13(1)

Authors: Andreea Munteanu, Daniel Florin Lighezan, Maria-Silvia Rosca, Gabriela Otiman, Violeta Ariana Nicoraș, Daciana Nistor, Nilima Rajpal Kundnani, Anca-Raluca Dinu, Ciprian Ilie Rosca

Affiliations

  • Internal Medicine I-Discipline of Internal Medicine IV, Department V, Center of Advanced Research in Cardiology and Hemostasology, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
  • Internal Medicine I-Discipline of Medical Semiology I, Department V, Center of Advanced Research in Cardiology and Hemostasology, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
  • Dr Rosca Civil Medical Society, Teremia Mare Nr 731, 307405 Teremia Mare, Romania.
  • University Clinic of Internal Medicine and Ambulatory Care, Prevention and Cardiovascular Recovery, Department VI-Cardiology, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
  • Department of Doctoral Studies, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
  • Department of Functional Sciences, Physiology, Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies (CIFBIOTEH), "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
  • Centre for Gene and Cellular Therapies in Cancer, 300723 Timisoara, Romania.
  • Research Centre of Timisoara Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
  • Department XVI, Medical Recovery, "Victor Babeş" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
  • Research Center for Assessment of Human Motion and Functionality and Disability, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
  • "Pius Brinzeu" Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Bld Liviu Rebreanu, No. 156, 300723 Timisoara, Romania.

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, the most severe pandemic in recent human history, found healthcare systems around the world more or less unprepared. Adjusting to this challenge involved changes in the daily routines of healthcare systems, as well as the patients, once again highlighting the importance of primary care (family physician or general practitioner). In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the family doctor in Romania played a crucial role in patient management, rapidly adapting to the changes and challenges imposed by the state of emergency. Their involvement quickly evolved from in-person consultations to online assessments, as they took on responsibilities such as monitoring patients in isolation or quarantine and issuing necessary medical leaves. Moreover, family doctors were directly involved in the COVID-19 vaccination process, facing challenges related to access to scheduling platforms and limited resources of protective equipment. Although they were on the front line of the healthcare response, recognition through incentives or compensations came late and incompletely, and their efforts in combating the pandemic were often overlooked. Designating family doctors' offices as public utility medical units (regardless of their organisational form) and supporting their activities through increased equipment and medical devices provided by local or central authorities are the keys to fighting for human lives in critical situations. Implementing clear and universal rules regarding the competencies (skills) and duties of family doctors, both in normal life situations and in exceptional circumstances, is of utmost importance. Little is known about the dedicated work and dedication of family physicians to their patients. Few studies have been carried out on the activity of the family doctor and their professional difficulties during the pandemic period. Some studies, on a small number of subjects, tried to evaluate the psychological adaptation of the family doctor to the new epidemiological situation. The aim of this narrative review is to highlight the difficulties to which family doctors had to adapt, comparing the data from the Romanian medical system with those discovered in the medical literature regarding family doctors from all over the world.

MeSH

General Practitioners, Sars-Cov-2, Physicians, Family, Family Practice, Covid-19, Physicians, Pandemics