Triage of patients and remote consultations in primary care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in France (PRICOV-19 study)

Abstract

Introduction: PRICOV-19 is a European cross-sectional study based on an online questionnaire, describing the impact of the pandemic on primary care structures (PCS). In France, PCS are solo practices (SP), single or multi-professional group practices (GP), coordinated practice structures (CPS): health houses and health centers. Triage, whether it is digital (TD), by telephone (TT) or at the reception (TR), is essential to reduce the risk of infection, and is part of recommended organizational practices.

Purpose of research: Based on French data from the PRICOV-19 study, the objective is to describe the frequency and factors associated with triage in PCSs during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Results: 1100 structures responded to the survey. The TD was implemented in 64% of PCSs (53.3% of SPs, 64.9% of GPs, 73.2% of CPSs). The TT was implemented in 76% of structures (72.7% of SPs, 75.4% of GPs and 81% of CPSs). Finally, TR was implemented in 52% of structures (37.7% of SPs, 52% of GPs and 67% of CPSs). The other positively associated factors are the urban territory and the lower workload for the TD, and the presence of a receptionist for the TR.

Conclusions: Triage practices seem to be clearly associated with the organization and working conditions in the PCSs, and first and foremost with the type of structure.