The role of primary healthcare physicians in the COVID-19 pandemic: a
cross-sectional study
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.