Management der ersten COVID-19-Welle in 45 Kinder- und Jugendarztpraxen im Saarland

Theiß, Karsten; Simon, Arne; Graf, Norbert; Rohrer, Tilman

Background Saarland was one of the most severely affected federal states during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Pediatrician practices are the first point of contact for pediatric patients and their families. Objectives The aim of the study was to describe the challenges and actions taken for maintenance of patient care as well as the interdisciplinary cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods Interned-based survey of pediatrician practice owners as well as paper-based survey of non-physician healthcare professionals (assistant personnel) of practices in Saarland. Results In this survey, the percentage of participation was 85% of owners of the 53 practices as well as 81% of the assistant personnel. An increased risk of being absent from work existed for 71% of practice owners and 48% of assistant personnel, either because they belonged to a group at high risk of being infected or due to other care obligations. However, there were very few cases of care givers being actually absent. Although at the beginning of the pandemic, necessary safety equipment was available only for 32%, 85% considered the hygienic and occupational health and safety measure reasonable. During the pandemic, 89% of practices changed their practice and patient management. There was a clear need for improvement regarding preparation (77%) and mastering (61%) the pandemic also regarding collaboration with the public health system (59%), as well as day care centers and schools (77%). Conclusion During the first wave of the pandemic, practices faced significant challenges that were mastered by operational-functional restructuring and reorganization. However, better preparation to deal with the pandemic and support for mastering it including improved collaboration with local health authorities and children’s community facilities is required.