Atencion primaria
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We describe the role of primary care (PC) in 12 European countries in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no official information at European level on the activity of PC. The findings were: All countries provided COVID-19 information through telephone lines and websites to their citizens. ⋯ Patients were followed-up in PC mostly by remote assessment. Health coverage for vulnerable populations and nursing homes has been regulated in all countries. There is a need for a strategic plan for PC in Europe that responds to the challenges posed.
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Observational Study
[Impact of the eConsultation on the primary care agenda].
A «before and after» type observational study was carried out to assess the impact of the virtual consultation (eConsulta) on the frequency with which the patient visits their primary care center once they have had their first virtual consultation. ⋯ The eConsulta could be an effective tool to respond to the needs of patients who do not require a face-to-face visit, especially in the most frequent patients.
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To determine the unexpected return rate to the Primary Care Emergency Service of elderly patients over 65 years old within the following 72h of a previous visit, as well as to determine the clinical and assistance requirements of these patients. ⋯ The rate of unexpected return is low. The main causes why elderly patients returned to the service requiring urgent assistance were issues categorised as unspecific general health indicators and/or respiratory system illnesses. Our proposal is to develop specific protocols combining the work from both Geriatrics and Gerontology professionals, in order to improve the support to this group of population at every Primary Care Emergency Service.