OA20766 Clinical pathways of COVID-19 patients in PHC across 30 European countries: The Eurodata Study

Background In Europe, most COVID-19 patients were managed within primary health care (PHC). Objective: To examine the role of PHC during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting common approaches and cross-country differences in patient pathways. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire developed and validated by participating researchers. General practitioners (GPs) from 30 European countries completed the survey. The main outcome was the acute PHC clinical pathway for COVID-19 as of September 2020. Results Dedicated COVID-19 clinics were established in PHC in 8/30 countries. Case detection and testing occurred in PHC in 27/30, with RT-PCR and lateral flow tests available in 23/30 (free of charge with medical prescription). Contact tracing was generally handled by public health authorities. Isolation requirements varied between 5–14 days. Sick leave certificates were issued exclusively by GPs in 21/30 countries. Alternative isolation facilities (e.g., patient hotels) were available in 12/30. Follow-up was mostly conducted via phone calls (27/30). Chest X-rays and blood tests were performed in PHC in 18/30 and 23/30 countries, respectively. Oxygen therapy and low-molecular-weight heparin were available in 21/30. Conclusion PHC across Europe played a central role in the detection, treatment, and monitoring of COVID-19 patients. Notable differences between countries suggest the need for greater European-level coordination in preparing for future pandemics. Key messages • PHC played a central role in COVID-19 case detection, care, follow-up, and sick leave, though approaches varied widely across countries. • Unequal access to exams, tests, and treatments in PHC highlights the need for European-level standards for future pandemic management. Topic COVID-19, primary health care, clinical pathways