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The role of primary healthcare physicians in the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
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  • Rami Saadeh,
  • Mahmoud Alfaqih,
  • Amjad Al Shdaifat,
  • Mohammad Alyahya,
  • Nasr Alrabadi,
  • Yousef Khader,
  • Othman Beni Yonis,
  • Mohammed Allouh
Rami Saadeh
Jordan University of Science and Technology

Corresponding Author:rasaadeh@just.edu.jo

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Mahmoud Alfaqih
Jordan University of Science and Technology
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Amjad Al Shdaifat
The Hashemite University
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Mohammad Alyahya
Jordan University of Science and Technology Faculty of Medicine
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Nasr Alrabadi
Jordan University of Science and Technology Faculty of Medicine
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Yousef Khader
Jordan University of Science and Technology Faculty of Medicine
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Othman Beni Yonis
Jordan University of Science and Technology Faculty of Medicine
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Mohammed Allouh
United Arab Emirates University
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Abstract

Background: Following the remarkable spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), worldwide, it quickly became apparent that many public health systems worldwide were not prepared to manage such a pandemic. We aimed to assess the perceptions of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Jordan toward their role during COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was performed. The study participants included PCPs from the Ministry of Health, academic institutions, and the private sector in Jordan. Results: A total of 221 PCPs participated in the study. Most participants reported not having received any training on infection control (59.7%) or COVID-19 (81%). More than half PCPs (53.4%) felt positive about the way patients received and/or complied with their instructions. More than half PCPs (55.7%) educated their patients on protective measures against COVID-19 infection and considered this as part of their role and responsibility. Over 80% of the participants would apply social distancing, hand sanitation, facial masks, and patient education, but only half (51.1%) reported planning to order COVID-19 test kits. Conclusions: PCPs had a positive attitude toward controlling COVID-19 infection and showed a willingness to educate patients on how to protect themselves. However, PCPs should be provided special training on COVID-19.
01 Nov 2020Submitted to International Journal of Clinical Practice
03 Nov 2020Submission Checks Completed
03 Nov 2020Assigned to Editor
16 Nov 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
25 Nov 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Dec 20201st Revision Received
21 Dec 2020Assigned to Editor
21 Dec 2020Submission Checks Completed
21 Dec 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 Dec 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
07 Mar 20212nd Revision Received
08 Mar 2021Submission Checks Completed
08 Mar 2021Assigned to Editor
24 Apr 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
25 Apr 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Sep 2021Editorial Decision: Accept