[Occupational health and practice management of primary care practitioners during influenza pandemic 2009/10 in Germany - a survey of 1150 physicians participating in syndromic influenza surveillance at Robert Koch Institute]

Abstract

Background: In preparation of an influenza pandemic, public health authorities and professional organisations recommend physicians to change practice management for patients with acute respiratory infections (ARI), in order to reduce transmission and protect practice staff. This study evaluates the implementation of these recommendations during the influenza pandemic 2009/10.

Methods: In 2010, we sent a standardised paper-and-pencil questionnaire on information sources, practice management, occupational safety and vaccination to physicians participating in the national sentinel syndromic influenza surveillance in Germany. Taken measures were compared according to specialisation of physicians.

Results: Out of 1,150 physicians, 760 replied (66%). The recommendations were considered reasonable by 64%. Physicians used hand disinfection (76%), gloves (62%) and facial masks (52%) more frequently than usual. Overall, 68% changed their practice management during the pandemic. Physicians separated ARI patients spatially (74%) and in time (38%) from others. In 72%, physicians were vaccinated against pandemic influenza. The physicians found time and effort spent on the sentinel appropriate (82%), even during the influenza pandemic. Paediatricians considered the recommendations less practicable than GPs or internists.

Conclusion: The majority of participating physicians considered the recommendations on occupational safety reasonable and changed their practice management accordingly. However, the recommendations might not reflect the special needs of paediatricians.