Jefferson, Laura orcid.org/0000-0003-2139-3555, Heathcote, Claire orcid.org/0000-0002-4375-9880 and Bloor, Karen orcid.org/0000-0003-4852-9854 (2023) General practitioner well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic:a qualitative interview study. BMJ Open. e061531. ISSN 2044-6055
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges for general practitioners' (GPs') mental health and well-being, with growing international evidence of its negative impact. While there has been a wide UK commentary on this topic, research evidence from a UK setting is lacking. This study sought to explore the lived experience of UK GPs during COVID-19, and the pandemic's impact on their psychological well-being. DESIGN AND SETTING: In-depth qualitative interviews, conducted remotely by telephone or video call, with UK National Health Service GPs. PARTICIPANTS: GPs were sampled purposively across three career stages (early career, established and late career or retired GPs) with variation in other key demographics. A comprehensive recruitment strategy used multiple channels. Data were analysed thematically using Framework Analysis. RESULTS: We interviewed 40 GPs; most described generally negative sentiment and many displayed signs of psychological distress and burnout. Causes of stress and anxiety related to personal risk, workload, practice changes, public perceptions and leadership, team working and wider collaboration and personal challenges. GPs described potential facilitators of their well-being, including sources of support and plans to reduce clinical hours or change career path, and some described the pandemic as offering a catalyst for positive change. CONCLUSIONS: A range of factors detrimentally affected the well-being of GPs during the pandemic and we highlight the potential impact of this on workforce retention and quality of care. As the pandemic progresses and general practice faces continued challenges, urgent policy measures are now needed.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. |
Keywords: | Humans,General Practitioners/psychology,Pandemics,State Medicine,COVID-19,Qualitative Research,Attitude of Health Personnel |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Health Sciences (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 28 Feb 2023 10:00 |
Last Modified: | 22 Jan 2025 00:21 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061531 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061531 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:196874 |