Nearly three-quarters of U.S. physicians (73 percent) reported not being able to test patients quickly and easily for coronavirus, despite 50 percent reporting that they had treated at least one patient with possible COVID-19 symptoms, according to a nationwide survey of more than 2,600 physicians on the Doximity network conducted in late March. Nearly 50 percent also reported concerns about patients likely avoiding testing or treatment due to financial barriers. More than three quarters of respondents (77 percent) did not believe that their hospital or clinic had adequate medical supplies or equipment to manage the crisis. Overall, 73 percent reported not being able to test patients quickly and easily.

Nearly six in ten respondents to the Doximity survey did not think there were enough coronavirus precautions in their clinical setting. And seven in ten did not think that government had taken appropriate measures to support the medical supply chain or had adequately responded to the pandemic. Almost half (48 percent) of doctors reported concern that patients are avoiding testing or treatment due to financial barriers.

While social distancing is inconvenient and has large economic impacts, most – but not all – physicians agree that it is absolutely necessary to successfully fight this pandemic. Nearly six in ten (59 percent) reported that current social distancing measures were appropriate, while 28 percent reported current measures are likely an under-reaction. More than 80 percent of physicians have moved to, or are planning to adopt, telemedicine virtual visits with patients.

Healthcare practitioners are not only worried about how they will get through COVID-19, but they’re also concerned about the long-term well-being of their patients. A survey published by Fingerpaint shows that the top concern regarding the pandemic for a majority of HCPs revolves around their patients having access to care – and those concerns are not expected to change for months.

The Fingerpaint COVID-19 HCP Survey showed that 59 percent of HCPs were worried about their patients not being diagnosed in a timely manner, and 58 percent believe their patients will not be able to obtain previously prescribed in-office/outpatient care. More than half of those surveyed (53 percent) do not think their patients have the ability to utilize telemedicine and will not be able to refill their medications.

Survey respondents also believe the pandemic will have a long-term impact on their practice. In fact, 59 percent of them believe they will not feel more hopeful about the current COVID-19 situation for at least two to six months.

“As brands refine their marketing efforts, it is important to have a deep understanding of what’s keeping HCPs awake at night and how this pandemic is impacting them and their patients,” says Michelle Petroff, head of Fingerpaint’s Conshohocken office. “Many of the HCPs reached in this survey are not just worried about the short-term issues, but are looking for long-term solutions.”

The results of the survey did include some positive news. While 66 percent of HCPs reported feeling anxious about COVID-19 as it applies to their practice, only 5 percent went as far as saying that they feel defeated.

Sources: Doximity, Fingerpaint