Caring for Long Covid patients in primary healthcare: a cross-sectional study on general practitioners' knowledge, perception and experience in Belgium and Malta.

Abstract

Background: At least 10% of Covid-19 recovered individuals experience persistent symptoms (Long Covid). Primary healthcare and general practitioners (GPs) are at the forefront in their care. In this study, GPs' knowledge, perceptions and experiences with Long Covid, and the definition used in two countries, are investigated to provide insight into GPs' care for Long Covid patients at a cross-country level.

Methods: A cross-sectional study targeted towards GPs was conducted in Belgium and Malta during spring and early summer 2022. An online survey consisting of 15 questions on Long Covid was disseminated. Additionally, country-specific practice and demographic characteristics were collected. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results: A total of 150 GPs (Belgium = 105; Malta = 45) responded. Female GPs represented 58.0%, median age was 49 years (IQR: 37-61). Concerning GPs' knowledge and perception on Long Covid, in both countries, most GPs reported insufficient scientific knowledge and information on Long Covid diagnosis and treatment. Access to educational material was limited and an awareness-rising campaign on Long Covid was deemed necessary. Moreover, two out of three GPs stated that Long Covid patients were not well followed up by primary healthcare in mid-2022. For diagnosing Long Covid, 54.7% required a positive Covid-19 test, more often among Belgian GPs than Maltese (64.3% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.036). To assess Long Covid, GPs mainly applied diagnostic criteria by themselves (47.3%) in combination with persistent symptoms (4 weeks to 5 months). Most GPs had experience with Long Covid patients in their practice, regardless of practice type and GPs' country, sex or age (p = 0.353; p = 0.241; p = 0.194; p = 0.058). Although most GPs (94.7%) stated that Long Covid patients should follow multidisciplinary approach, 48.3% reported providing care for these patients themselves or with GP colleagues and only 29.8% by multidisciplinary cooperation.

Conclusions: GPs frequently provide (multidisciplinary) care to Long Covid patients and GPs' care showed similarities at cross-country level. Although GPs perceive lack of scientific knowledge and educational material on Long Covid, similar diagnostic criteria among GPs were noted. Uniform evidence-based guidelines, scientific support and training for GP across Europe must be a priority to enhance their treatment approach to Long Covid.