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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activity of private medical practices in Morocco
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  • Latifa Adarmouch,
  • Samya Tourari,
  • Majda Sebbani,
  • Mohamed Amine
Latifa Adarmouch
Cadi Ayyad University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Samya Tourari
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Majda Sebbani
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Mohamed Amine
Cadi Ayyad University Faculty of Medecine and Pharmacy of Marrakech
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Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activity of private medical practices in Morocco. Methods: An online survey was carried out in June 2020. The study population consisted of physicians (General practitioners and specialists) who run private practices in different regions of Morocco. The questionnaire comprised 3 sections: demographic and professional data, the impact noticed by the doctors and the strategies adopted to tackle this impact. Results: We analyzed 225 responses. Specialists represented 71.6% of the respondents. The majority (94.2%) of the private practices were located in urban areas. Almost all respondents have noticed a change in the demand for medical services, mainly a decrease (96,44%). There was an increase in urgent consultations (30.7%) and consultations for acute motives (39.1%). Respondents also reported less (69,3%) or no (23,1%) regular follow-up visits for patients with chronic diseases. Decreased incomes concerned 97,33% of the practices. Doctors reacted by working less hours (87,55%), delaying some procedures (78,22%), and applying recommended safety measures (100%). Telemedicine was used in an informal way to facilitate the communication with patients. Discussion and conclusion: During this pandemic, private practices were challenged to contribute to the continuity of healthcare services while ensuring the safety of the staff and the patients. Several strategies were adopted to cope with the new situation and to survive its many challenges.
22 Sep 2020Submitted to International Journal of Clinical Practice
23 Sep 2020Submission Checks Completed
23 Sep 2020Assigned to Editor
30 Sep 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
21 Oct 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
28 Dec 20201st Revision Received
07 Jan 2021Submission Checks Completed
07 Jan 2021Assigned to Editor
07 Jan 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
14 Jan 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Feb 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Jun 2021Published in International Journal of Clinical Practice volume 75 issue 6. 10.1111/ijcp.14127