Herausforderungen in der Primärversorgung von Patientinnen und Patienten mit Long‑/Post-COVID

General practitioners (GPs) are the first point of contact for patients with unexplained symptoms of long/post-COVID (L/PC), whereby patients report suffering from a wide range of systemic, nonspecific persistent symptoms after recovery from acute SARS-CoV‑2 infection. This study explores L/PC care from the GP perspective and describes experiences, challenges and information needs.

An anonymous nationwide survey open to all GPs in ambulatory care in Germany was conducted in September 2022. Data were collected using a self-designed online questionnaire. Analyses were carried out using descriptive statistics. Results are weighted by age, sex and region.

Overall, the surveys response rate reached 2.1% of all GPs practicing in Germany; 93% (n = 819) stated that they had provided care for L/PC patients. Therapeutic measures most often recommended by GPs were nondrug therapy, follow-ups, and long-term sick leave prescriptions (doctor’s notes). Barriers were encountered in all areas of care, including diagnosis, treatment, continuity of care and coordination. The greatest need for information related to L/PC was seen in the areas of therapy (including medication), pathophysiology and rehabilitation.

GPs providing care to L/PC patients in Germany report barriers in care coordination and information needs. Establishing regional networks of GPs in cooperation with special outpatient and rehabilitation facilities and fostering information exchange between research and practice may help to improve the provision of need-based care for these patients.