Mental health symptoms in Australian general practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background General practitioners (GPs) play a central role during the COVID-19 pandemic, and yet awareness of their mental health is limited. Methods A nationwide online survey of self-identified frontline healthcare workers was conducted between 27 August and 23 October 2020. Participants were recruited through health and professional organisations, colleges, universities, government contacts, and media. A subset of the findings on GPs and hospital medical staff (HMS) was used for this study. Results Of 9518 responses, there were 389 (4%) GPs and 1966 (21%) HMS. Compared with HMS, GPs received significantly less training on personal protective equipment usage or care for COVID-19 patients, and less support or communication within their workplace. GPs were significantly more concerned about household income, disease transmission to family and being blamed by colleagues if they became infected, all of which were associated with worse psychological outcomes. Significantly more GPs reported burnout, and experienced moderate-to-severe emotional exhaustion than HMS. Both groups used similar coping strategies, except fewer GPs than HMS used digital health applications or increased alcohol consumption. Less than 25% of either group sought professional help. Conclusions GPs are vital in our healthcare systems, yet face unique workplace challenges and mental health stressors during the pandemic. Targeted workplace and psychological support is essential to protect wellbeing among the primary care workforce.

‘We are largely left out’: workplace and psychosocial experiences of Australian general practitioners during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Importantly, the qualitative results elucidated by this study are supported by quantitative analyses performed on GP responses to the non-free-text ACHFWS questions, which we have previously published (Ng et al 2022). Key results obtained from the 389 surveyed GPs (of which this study's 299 GPs were a subset) include moderate-to-high rates of burnout (n = 225, 58%) and anxiety (n = 220, 57%).…”

Advancing integrated paediatric care in Australian general practices: Qualitative insights from the SC4C GP-paediatrician model of care

“…While GPs’ lack of remuneration for the provision of co-consultations has not been reported as a barrier for the implementation of the SC4C, this aspect should be carefully considered for the long-term scale up and sustainability of the model of care. Australian GPs source of income is highly dependent on Medicare rebates which have not increased more than 7.3%, from 2017 ($37.5) to 2022 ($39.75) for a standard consultation, despite the raising costs due to the inflation [ 52 , 53 ]. Therefore, it is worthwhile to mention that SC4C seems to fit within the needs and expectations of Australian families and thus, the long-term implementation of this integrated model should be considered by Government and funding agencies.…”