[Challenges and needs in the care for post-COVID patients in primary care practices in Berlin and Brandenburg - A...

General practitioners (GPs) play a central role as the first point of contact for patients with post-COVID. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore challenges and needs in the care for post-COVID patients from the perspective of GPs.

Between October 2023 and May 2024, one face-to-face and two online focus groups were conducted with a total of 17 GPs from Berlin and Brandenburg. A self-developed guide was used, and data were analysed using framework analysis. In October 2024, results were validated in follow-up discussions with seven of these GPs.

Across all focus groups, GPs reported multiple challenges. These included diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainties, a lack of robust evidence, and gaps in service provision, such as long waiting times in specialised care facilities and feelings of helplessness in dealing with affected patients. Several care needs emerged from these challenges: low-threshold access to specialised outpatient clinics, the development of tailored rehabilitation concepts, and structured, up-to-date information for patients. In addition, GPs highlighted the need for stronger recognition and support of their role in post-COVID care.

GPs provide the lion's share of care for people affected by post-COVID, and thus their perspective should be given greater consideration in order to strengthen ambulatory care. The findings uncover genuine opportunities to address gaps in care and improve patient support.

GPs require support through structured care pathways and closer collaboration with specialised services. Further research is needed to develop cross-sectoral models of care that both improve patient outcomes and alleviate the burden on primary care.