Quick COVID-19 Primary Care Weekly Survey, Series 21

Abstract

Population health is in decline, primary care is under water, and major disruptions to medical supply chains all signal that our health system is buckling. The health of the population has weakened during the pandemic with half of clinicians noting that overall physical health of the population has declined. In addition, 41% say the health of those with chronic conditions is noticeably worse, and 86% report a pandemic-specific decline in the population’s mental health. At the same time, only 1 in 5 surveyed clinicians report their fee-for-service volume is within 10% of pre-pandemic levels and nearly half (47%) endorsed the statement that despite a somewhat rosier economic picture, their clinical workforce is fragile. Heading into flu season, shortages of PPE (33%) and flu vaccine (13%) are now a major concern.