Barriers to performing onsite COVID-19 testing during the second wave in Victoria

Abstract

Background and objective The approach to performing COVID-19 testing in general practice has been going through an evolution and is variable. The aim of this study was to determine what underlying factors, if any, impeded onsite testing in general practices for patients during the second wave of the pandemic in Victoria. Methods This study was conducted during August 2020 and October 2020. Fourteen semistructured interviews with general practitioners, practice nurses and practice managers were conducted. Results Barriers to performing onsite testing for COVID-19 were identified as: 1) individual, 2) practitioner perception of fear, 3) lack equipment, 4) inappropriate clinic design/location, 5) risk of patient avoidance, 6) financial risk, 7) a lack of knowledge and 8) lack of guidelines. Discussion This study’s findings relate to a unique accounted for 70% of the nation’s total cases and 90% of deaths. Therefore, the barriers identified in this study may help inform policymakers in regard to planning for future responses to similar situations