Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Anxiety Level, Patient Approach and Oropharyngeal Examination in Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics: A Nationwide Descriptive Study in Turkey

Abstract

Purpose: Although numerous publications on the effects of COVID-19 on mental health exist, limited data exists on how these effects affect physicians' approaches to patients. This study aimed to evaluate family physicians' (FPs) approach to the physical examination of patients who applied to family medicine (FM) outpatient clinics with upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms, the influencing factors, and the relationship with FPs’ anxiety levels. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire form containing sociodemographic information, probable case scenarios evaluating the physicians' approach to patients with URTI symptoms at different ages, and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) sent to FPs between 19.03.2022-25.04.2022. Results: The study included a total of 376 FPs. FPs reported conducting oropharyngeal and respiratory system examinations in 99% of patients presenting with URTI symptoms before the pandemic. However, avoidance behaviors such as directing patients to COVID-19 testing centers before examination increased during the pandemic, leading to lower rates of oropharyngeal and lung examinations. According to CAS scores, 5.1% of FPs exhibited coronavirus-related dysfunctional anxiety levels requiring treatment. Oropharyngeal examination, use of tongue depressors, and lung auscultation were significantly lower in the anxiety group (p=0.002, p=0.012, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Although FPs' mean CAS scores were low, it was determined that oropharyngeal examination rates of different age groups of patients were decreased, particularly among physicians experiencing coronavirus-related anxiety. To prevent the continuation of avoidance behaviors from physical examinations post-pandemic, it is crucial to support the biopsychosocial well-being of physicians and identify their needs.

Keywords

• family medicine
• physical examination
• sars-cov-2