Follow-up survey on international COVID-19 primary care pandemic response study: report

In our previous study, we revealed a disconnect in the early phases of the pandemic between primary care strength at a national level and early mortality rates from COVID-19, but also widespread and shared perceptions of limited investment in, coordination with, and engagement of primary care in pandemic response. This follow up one year into pandemic confirms nearly 80% of respondents felt that primary care providers are insufficiently remunerated to provide remote access services, with even higher proportions in the AMRO region.

In general, countries where primary care has been integrally involved in vaccine delivery appear to have better vaccination rates, but this is also influenced by the availability of vaccine. Having a coordinated response between public health and primary care also appears to be an effective strategy.

The vast majority of respondents affirmed the need for greater integration of and coordination between public health and primary care. And on a personal level, 85% reported experiencing some degree of personal mental health difficulty over the preceding year.

More positively, respondents felt that the primary care sector had learned from the pandemic, and would be in a better position to respond to the next one. Specifically, they noted that primary care providers have acquired an increased capacity for using technology in delivering primary care services as a result of COVID-19.