Table 3 Interventions expressed by n = 24 MAs during the COVID pandemic
Addressee | Intervention | Examples |
|---|---|---|
To the media | More appreciation of MAs | • Mentioning MAs in media reports |
Presentation of MAs’ working day in media reports | • Public education about the real situation in practices | |
To politicians | More appreciation of MAs | • Considering MAs eligible for early vaccination • Expressing appreciation for MAs |
Listening to the needs of MAs | • Replying to letters sent by MAs’ professional association | |
Financial support during pandemic | • Government paying a COVID bonus | |
Protection of MAs during pandemic | • Outsourcing of COVID services to designated corona centers | |
Simplified access to childcare for system-relevant professions | • Reduction of bureaucracy when applying for childcare | |
Action after consultation with and in accordance with practices | • Exploring views and needs in practices before decision-making • Informing practices about innovations/adaptations before informing the public • Direct contact with practices, not via media • Bundling of information on changes, not new ones every day • More lead time before implementation of changes • Better supply with PPE** • No advertising of vaccination if supply is insufficient • Reduction of ICD codes for billing | |
Clear guidelines of action | • Clearly defined order of COVID vaccination eligibility | |
To GPs | More appreciation of MAs | • Expressing appreciation to MAs • Paying a COVID bonus |
Support of MAs during pandemic | • Active collaboration on joint problem solutions | |
Financial participation | • Sharing additional revenue from pandemic with staff | |
To patients | More appreciation of MAs | • Expressing appreciation to MAs, e.g., verbally or with gifts |
Better patient behavior | • Better compliance with practice rules and acceptance of procedures • Taking pandemic more seriously • Acting friendlier and less selfish | |
No special addressee | More physical proximity to patients | • Hugging patients, shaking hands |
Alleviation of work organizations | • Adopting weekly team meetings • Keeping PPE** in stock for the future • Normalization of working hours |