ArticleHealthcare (Basel, Switzerland)2022
Psychological Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural Physicians in Ontario: A Qualitative Study.
Article in Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
9 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- A systematic review of mental health in rural Andean populations in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic.Frontiers in psychiatry · 2023Pooled it
- What changes does rural medical education need?--a qualitative study exploring the experiences of rural grassroots doctors.BMC medical education · 2025Article
- Rest intolerance and associated factors among Chinese nursing students: a cross-sectional network analysis.BMC nursing · 2025Article
- COVID-19 in Rural Ontario Communities: Exploring Women's Mental Health During a Pandemic.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2025Article
- Reflections of rural primary care physicians on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.BMC primary care · 2025Article
- Prevalence and factors associated with burnout among primary health-care workers in China during COVID-19: a national survey.BMC primary care · 2024Article
- Mental health of primary health care physicians and nurses following prolonged infection control rules: a national survey in China.Frontiers in public health · 2024Article
- Burnout is related to executive dysfunction in primary healthcare professionals working in rural areas.Revista de neurologia · 2023Article
- Feasibility issues impacting optimal levels of maternity care in rural communities: implementing the Rural Birth Index in British Columbia.BMC health services research · 2023Article
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2 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Frontline rural physicians in Canada are vulnerable to the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic considering their high pre-pandemic burnout rates as compared to their urban counterparts. This study aims to understand the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural family physicians engaged in full-time primary care practice in Ontario and the stressors behind any identified challenges. Recruitment combined purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling. Twenty-five rural physicians participated in this study. Participants completed a questionnaire containing Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (depression), General Anxiety Disorder-2 (anxiety), and Perceived Stress Scale-4 (stress) screening as well as questions exploring self-reported perceptions of change in their mental health, followed by a semi-structured virtual interview. Quantitative data showed an overall increase in self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Thematic analysis revealed seven qualitative themes including the positive and negative psychological impacts on rural physicians, as well as the effects of increased workload, infection risk, limited resources, and strained personal relationships on the mental health of rural physicians. Coping techniques and experiences with physician wellness resources were also discussed. Recommendations include establishing a rapid locum supply system, ensuring rural representation at decision-making tables, and taking an organizational approach to support the mental health of rural physicians.
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