The evolving role of family physicians during the coronavirus disease 2019 crisis: An appreciative reflection

Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med. 2020 Jun 9;12(1):e1-e4. doi: 10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2478.

Abstract

Ten family physicians and family medicine registrars in a South African semi-rural training complex reflected on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis during their quarterly training complex meeting. The crisis has become the disruptor that is placing pressure on the traditional roles of the family physician. The importance of preventative and promotive care in a community-oriented approach, being a capacity builder and leading the health team as a consultant have assumed new meanings.

Keywords: COVID-19; community; family medicine; roles; training.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Capacity Building / organization & administration
  • Clinical Competence
  • Coronavirus Infections / therapy*
  • Family Practice / education
  • Family Practice / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Physicians, Family / organization & administration
  • Pneumonia, Viral / therapy*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / organization & administration*
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • South Africa