Maka Kurashvili¹, Elza Nikoleishvili², David Tananshvili³, Vakhtang Shoshiashvili⁴ and Luiza Gabunia⁵*

¹Student of Public Health Doctoral Program, The University of Georgia, Georgia
²Head of Residency in Medicine, The University of Georgia, Georgia
³Biostatistics, Georgia
⁴Assistant-Professor of Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia
⁵Professor of Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia

*Corresponding Author: Luiza Gabunia, Professor of Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia.

Received: July 08, 2024; Published: August 05, 2024

Abstract

Epidemics and pandemics pose significant challenges to public health systems worldwide, with family physicians playing a crucial role in their management. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerabilities of Georgia's healthcare system, particularly in primary care. This original article examines the multi-functional role of family physicians in managing epidemics and preventing their spread, based on state protocols for clinical condition management. Specifically, it focuses on the timely assessment and management of cases, coordination with other healthcare services, determination of necessary laboratory and instrumental interventions, prevention of unnecessary hospitalizations, and appropriate referral services.

A cross-sectional survey design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. A questionnaire, approved by the university's bioethics committee, served as the primary survey instrument. Data were analyzed using SPSSv.22.0, with statistical reliability assessed via the Chi-squared test (p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance). In-depth interviews were conducted with family physicians, patients, and medical center managers to gather qualitative insights. The survey questions were largely derived from the state standard protocol for managing suspected COVID-19 cases.

The research findings indicate that family physicians are capable of identifying and managing a range of clinical conditions related to COVID-19, including severe acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and pneumonia. They effectively manage and coordinate cases with mild to moderate symptoms both in-person and via home treatment, distinguishing COVID-19 from other respiratory infections. Early diagnosis by family physicians has reduced the demand for medical services and improved the management of COVID-19 in patients with chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes. The study also highlights the importance of timely emergency notifications and the implementation of preventive measures in primary healthcare settings.

The research underscores the critical role of the primary healthcare system, particularly family physicians, in managing and preventing epidemics. The findings demonstrate the importance of timely case assessment, coordination with other healthcare services, and adherence to state protocols in managing clinical conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach has helped prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and ensured effective referral services, addressing unforeseen challenges in healthcare delivery.

 Keywords: COVID-19; Family Physician; COVID -19 Management Standard Protocol

References

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Citation

Citation: Luiza Gabunia., et al. “Strategies for Family Physicians: Implementing State Standards for COVID-19 Identification and Management in Tbilisi (Georgia)”.Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 8.9 (2024): 08-14.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2024 Luiza Gabunia., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.