Changes in Family Medicine During the COVID-19 Epidemic

Velike promjene koje su nastupile u cijelom svijetu proglašenjem pandemije uzrokovane SARS-CoV-2 virusom odrazile su se i na zdravstveni sustav u Republici Hrvatskoj. Ogromne promjene u radu liječnika obiteljske medicine doprinijele su očuvanju bolničkoga zdravstvenog sustava i sprječavanju širenja korona infekcije u populaciji. Reorganizacija je uključivala trijažni način rada prilikom ulaska u zdravstvene ustanove, praćenje i vođenje samoizolacija, dežurstvo u izdvojenim COVID-19 ambulantama te brojne administrativne poslove koji do tada nisu bili u opisu rada obiteljskih liječnika. Istovremeno su zbrinjavani kronični bolesnici sa svim svojim potrebama. Novim načinom rada obiteljski su liječnici dokazali spremnost u opasnim vremenima pandemije odraditi sve postavljene zadatke i sačuvati od urušavanja bolnički zdravstveni sustav te spriječiti širenje zaraze. Kako će se epidemija razvijati u budućnosti, ne znamo. Sigurno je da ćemo je spremnije savladavati upravo zahvaljujući dobroj organizaciji i komunikaciji među obiteljskim liječnicima.Major changes that have occurred worldwide following the declaration of a pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus have also affected the healthcare system in the Republic of Croatia. Vast adjustments in the work of family practitioners has aided the maintenance of hospital systems and prevented the spread of coronary infections among the population. Reorganization included the introduction of triage upon entry into healthcare facilities, monitoring and management of self-isolation, on-call duty in segregated COVID-19 dispensaries, and numerous administrative tasks, which until then were not included the scope of work of family doctors. During this time, simultaneous treatment was provided to chronic patients and all their needs. With this new mode of operation, family doctors have proven their readiness in the dangerous times of the pandemic: to complete all set tasks, prevent hospital systems from collapsing, and thwart the spread of the infection. We do not know how the epidemic will develop in the future, but it is certain that we will be better prepared to deal with it, thanks to good organization and communication between family doctors