Effects of Covid-19 on GP visits by patients in deprived areas

General practices in deprived neighborhoods have provided more care remotely during COVID-19: telephone advice, e-mail, video calling, e-health. The consequences of Covid-19 for general practitioner care for vulnerable groups in deprived neighborhoods were examined. After the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a significant decrease in consultations in the first months. After the first year, healthcare use in general practices in deprived neighborhoods has largely recovered, but consultations for COPD are lagging behind. GPs find remote care less suitable for patients with few language and digital skills and the elderly. It is important for patients in disadvantaged neighborhoods that there is good access to general practitioner care in times of crisis. Remote care can be provided to patients who are able and willing to do so, but only if there is a good relationship of trust with the GP. Goal This research should make it clear for which groups remote care is suitable and where space is created for patients who need more care. To this end, experiences with the changing way of working are mapped out Research design The research is divided into different phases, making it possible to use interim insights in the event of a resurgence of the virus. General practitioners are actively involved in the research, so that the knowledge gained can be applied immediately. General practices participate in interviews and keep diaries. They also register the use of the GP by patients. General practitioners and GP practice assistants (POHs) from 15 general practices in deprived neighborhoods were interviewed twice: in the first phase of the corona crisis in 2020 and in the spring of 2021. First results In the first phase of the corona crisis in 2020, 90% of patient contacts were remote: mainly by telephone, but also (to a lesser extent) video calling or email. In the spring of 2021, general practitioners often estimate the ratio of face-to-face and remote care to be approximately 50%-50% or 2/3 vs. 1/3 (with peaks of 80%-20% and 40%-60 %). In the first phase in 2020, POHs often provided remote care, mainly by telephone. In the spring of 2021, the GP practice assistants returned to mostly face-to-face consultations. Face-to-face consultation versus remote care General practitioners are predominantly more positive about remote care, due to (successful) experiences and enthusiasm of patients. But many general practitioners still find remote care less suitable for residents with less language skills or with low education. Many practice nurses find face-to-face contacts a better way to provide care, because they can also better observe the patient's non-verbal communication. POHs find the flexibility positive if care is possible remotely in some cases. The analysis of data from GP information systems is being prepared and the effect of the degree of remote care on healthcare outcomes is being investigated. The research results are regularly presented during interactive online meetings with stakeholders. For more information, see this fact sheet , report about remote care and the project page on a website with research projects on the theme of vulnerable groups and COVID-19.