THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
A survey among its members by the The Physicians Foundation has found that 86% of US Physicians believe that Covid-19 won't be under control by January 2021, with almost half, 49%, feeling that the virus won't be under control before June 1, 2021.
The survey, which is part of the Foundation's biennial 'Survey of American Physicians', also reported that 72% of physicians feel that the virus "will severely impact patient health outcomes due to delayed routine care during the pandemic."
Discussing the findings, the president of The Physicians Foundation, Gary Price, MD, said that "The data reveals a near-consensus among America's physicians about Covid-19's immediate and lasting impact on our health care system."
The study found that as well as the virus itself, physicians remain concerned about the 'indirect' impact of the virus on the health of Americans. For example, 75% expressed concern that employment changes due to the virus could lead to patients losing health insurance. 67% also said that a reluctance to seek treatment or routine check ups due to fears over the virus could be harmful to the nation's health. 59% of physicians also felt that opening businesses, schools and public places as a "bigger risk" to patients than social distancing and self isolation guidelines.
Other results from the survey also indicated a potential shift in the landscape of medical care in America due to the pandemic, more local private practices closing, and greater command of healthcare provisions by hospitals.
Healthcare is an important topic for Americans who live both in the US and overseas, particularly for those who are considering an international move - either away from America or back to the States.
The full Physician Study can be found at physiciansfoundation.org/research-insights/2020physiciansurvey
