An investigation into General Practitioners’ experience with Long Covid

Abstract

Background: Long Covid (LC) is the continuation or development of new symptoms after initial COVID-19 infection. Little is known about General Practitioners’ (GP) experience of managing patients with LC. Aims: The aim of this study is to establish GP experiences with LC. Methods: A survey was designed and piloted in three training practices prior to distribution. The survey was completed by doctors working in GP training scheme practices in Cork, Ireland. Results: Fifty-three of one hundred and sixty invited GPs completed the survey, indicating a 33% response rate. 8% (4/53) of participants agreed and 0% (0/53) strongly agreed with the statement they were “confident in diagnosing Long Covid”. 81% (43/53) were not confident in treating patients with LC. 70% (37/53) were unaware of indications for referral to secondary care. 38% (20/53) were aware of the referral pathways to local LC clinics. 93% (49/53) agreed there were educational deficits regarding LC. Conclusions: There was a lack of confidence in the diagnosis and management of LC, and in the interface with secondary care. There is demand for educational interventions to assist GPs with their care of patients with this emerging condition.