Perceptions of primary healthcare physicians in Jordan of their role in the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study. Issue 11 (14th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saadeh, Rami; Alfaqih, Mahmoud A.; Al‐Shdaifat, Amjad; Alyahya, Mohammad; Alrabadi, Nasr; Khader, Yousef; Beni Yonis, Othman; Allouh, Mohammed Z.
• Is Part Of: International journal of clinical practice. Volume 75:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-14
• Subjects: Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14797
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-5031

Abstract

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 towards 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 towards 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.