The role of private primary care pulmonologists network in Greece in the first year of COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed the capacities of healthcare systems. Primary care physicians had a pivotal role in reducing the unnecessary access of suspected and confirmed cases to hospitals, and they substantially contributed to the success of vaccination programs. In this study, we aim to determine the role of the Greek private primary care pulmonologists (PPCPs) network during the first year of the pandemic. METHODS An electronic questionnaire consisting of 28 simple questions was administered to PPCPs by e-mail or by sharing a link in private social networking groups. RESULTS A total of 150 PPCPs completed the study. According to their answers, they examined a significant portion of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases, and they offered to several patients blood testing and chest radiography. PPCPS maintained close contact with both patients that had faceto-face assessment and patients managed remotely with a great number of telephone contacts. The majority of PPCPs provided information for COVID-19 vaccination by telephone for more than 20 patients weekly. CONCLUSIONS PPCPs offered high quality and specialized support for COVID-19 patients. Besides, they supported the national vaccination program by informing a substantial number of patients.