Investigating changes in user and diagnostic patterns in general practice during the COVID pandemic in 2020: a cohort study using Danish patient data from two consecutive years before and during the pandemic.

objectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic induced significant changes in access policies to general practice (GP) in most countries. This study aimed to compare and discuss changes in the diagnostic patterns and GP procedures before and during the pandemic. DESIGN AND

settingA register study including data from 11 Danish GP clinics.

participantsEnlisted patients from GP followed 1 year before (February 2019 to January 2020; n=48 650) and 1 year during (April 2020 to March 2021; n=47 207) the COVID-19 pandemic. OUTCOME MEASURES: Diagnostic patterns, consultation type (face-to-face, email and phone), contact persons (GP or GP staff) and patient characteristics.

resultsThe average number of contacts with GP increased from 6.3 contacts per year per patient before the pandemic to 8.3 annual contacts during the pandemic (p<0.01). The proportion of contacts handled face-to-face remained around 53%; however, email contacts more than doubled in number and reached 26% of all contacts during the pandemic. Before the pandemic, GPs handled 36% of all patient contacts. This decreased to 22% during the pandemic, and for some diagnostic groups, the GP staff now handled 90% of the patients. The reduced GP contacts were mainly in email and phone contacts, whereas face-to-face consultations by the GPs seem to have been given priority. No reduction was observed in the absolute number of contacts with diagnoses related to the cardiovascular system or diabetes type 2; however, the proportion of contacts related to skin diseases, upper/lower airway symptoms and preventive care consultations was reduced (p<0.01).

conclusionAlthough these findings cannot prove causality, they demonstrate significant changes in diagnostic patterns, balance between different contact types, and responsible contact persons during the pandemic. Changes mean that it has become a significantly different product that GPs offer their patients. The coming years will show whether these changes remain, whether the quality of treatment and care is the same and whether the changed balance in patient handling (GP or GP staff) is experienced as beneficial by the patients.