Characteristics of primary care practices associated with patient education during COVID-19: Results of the PRICOV-19 cross-sectional study in 38 countries

Abstract:
- Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, prevention was at the heart of the management of the health crisis with an important component related to citizen health education and therapeutic education for both the covid infected patient and the patient at risk. Primary care practices (PCPs) played a crucial role in these educational activities.
- Questions / Objectives
This paper aims to explore which PCP configurations enabled responsiveness to the patient education component during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Methods
A "Patient Education - PE" score was created based on responses to six self-reported questionnaire items, such as staff involvement in providing information to patients by telephone. These were compiled by PRICOV, a multi-country cross-sectional study in Europe and Israel. A linear mixed model (LMM) analysis was performed with continuous PE score and PCP characteristics with 3638 respondents.
- Results
The mean PE score was 2.55 (SD. 0.68) with a maximum of 4 and varies suite widely between countries. Among all PCP characteristics, the following factors significantly (p < 0.05) increasing the PE score are main payment system (with a capitation payment system or another system compared to the fee for service), perception of the same or above average PCP with patients with chronic conditions and perception of adequate government support.
- Conclusion
The results highlight some levers that will overcome some barriers and enable the development of the educational approach appropriate to primary care; the model presented is still incomplete and requires further investigation to identify additional configuration elements favorable to educational activities.