Distress and wellbeing among general practitioners during COVID-19 : results from the cross-sectional PRICOV-19 study

Purpose: We aim to describe the frequency of distress and wellbeing, measured by the Mayo Clinic Wellbeing index, among general practitioners/family physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify some of the key levers that could mitigate the risk of distress. Method: Data were collected by means of an online self-reported questionnaire among GP practices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software on Version 7 of the database which was the version consisting of the cleaned data of 33 countries available as of November 3rd, 2021. Data from 3,711 was included. MCWI scores ranged from -2 to 9 with a mean of 2.7. Using a cut-off of ≥2, 64.5% of respondents were considered at risk. Findings: GPs with less experience, in smaller practices, and with more vulnerable patient populations have lower well-being scores and hence are at a higher risk of distress. Collaboration from other practices and adequate governmental support are significant protective factors for distress. Discussion: While individual factors are important, it is necessary to address practice and system level organizational factors in order to enhance wellbeing and support primary care physicians