Open AccessPerceptions of primary healthcare physicians in Jordan of their role in the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Author(s) -
Saadeh Rami,
Alfaqih Mahmoud A.,
AlShdaifat Amjad,
Alyahya Mohammad,
Alrabadi Nasr,
Khader Yousef,
Beni Yonis Othman,
Allouh Mohammed Z.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.756
H-Index - 98
eISSN - 1742-1241
pISSN - 1368-5031
DOI - 10.1111/ijcp.14797
Subject(s) - medicine , pandemic , cross sectional study , covid-19 , family medicine , christian ministry , public health , health care , social distance , infection control , disease , nursing , infectious disease (medical specialty) , intensive care medicine , pathology , philosophy , theology , economics , economic growth
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.