Opinions of citizens of the Czech Republic on the role of nurses in primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

In spite of the general current decrease in COVID-19 incidence, the epidemiological situation on the territory of the Czech Republic is still unfavourable. Nurses play an essential role in the fight against this disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A non-standardized questionnaire was used to discover the expectations regarding nursing care provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample of respondents was constructed using quota selection. The sample consisted of 1,815 respondents.

RESULTS

The study identified a significant correlation between the age of respondents and the method used to contact general practitioners (p < 0.001). The oldest respondents (65+) more likely contacted GPs by phone. Respondents with basic education used outpatient services more often before than during the pandemic (p < 0.05). The behaviour of nurses was considered as professional and accommodating. The oldest respondents (65+) reported nurses did not to make them feel rushed. Other age groups rated nurses more critically (p < 0.01). Respondents, especially women, described the psychological burden on nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic as demanding (p < 0.01). Women, more than men, reported that nurses lacked protective equipment during the pandemic (p < 0.05). The use of an online system was significantly influenced by respondent education (p 0.001). Respondents with lower education were less likely to welcome this option.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the persisting COVID-19 incidence on the territory of the Czech Republic, citizens` opinions of the position of nurse in primary care in the period of COVID- 19 pandemics need to be known.The behaviour of nurses was considered to be accommodating and satisfactory.