French GPs React to COVID-19: Results from AplusA Poll Waves 1 and 2

General practitioners are an essential line of defense within the healthcare system in the fight against COVID-19 in France as across the world. AplusA is conducting an ongoing poll among French general practitioners to research both the number of suspected COVID-19 patients they are recording as well as their morale in light of the crisis.

GP Teleconsultation

The study provides results according to the type of consultation (in-surgery, home visit, tele-consultation, and nursing home visits) and according to the severity level of the French regions. Here are some key results from waves 1 and 2 of the poll. Results from the will be published bi-weekly.

Methodology

Information on 2639 medical interactions was collected from 138 general practitioners. The data collected are weighted according to the geographical distribution of GPs in France. The physicians completed a self-administered survey online between the evening of the 2nd April and the evening of the 3rd April to study a full day of activity.

Key Results Wave 1: 2-3 April 2020

  • 22% of GP medical interactions led to a suspected COVID-19 case and 2% to a hospitalizable case.  

  • There are more suspected cases among tele-consultations (34%). 

  • GPs in the worst hit regions of France as of April 2nd (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand-Est, Hauts-de-France, Ile-de-France), obviously stated a larger number of suspected COVID-19 cases (27% versus 16% in the other regions) and therefore almost three times as many hospitalizable cases (3% versus 1%). 

  • Despite all of this, and including in the worst hit regions, 72% of surveyed GPs in France said they retained a good or very good level of morale.

 

Full Report: GPs React to COVID-19 Wave 1

 

Methodology

Information on 2541 medical interactions was collected from 117 general practitioners. The data collected are weighted according to the geographical distribution of GPs in France. The physicians completed a self-administered survey online between the evening of the 6th April and the evening of the 7th April to study a full day of activity.

Key Results Wave 2: 7 April 2020 

  • 16% of GP medical interactions led to a suspected or a diagnosis of COVID-19 

  • There are more suspected cases among tele-consultations (34%). 

  • GPs in the worst hit regions of France as of April 7th (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand-Est, Hauts-de-France, Ile-de-France), obviously stated a larger number of suspected COVID-19 cases (18% versus 13% in the other regions).

  • Despite all of this, and including in the worst hit regions, 8 out of 10 surveyed GPs in France said they retained a good or very good level of morale.

 

Full Report: GPs React to COVID-19 Wave 2