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Abstract Background Long-COVID is a new multisectoral healthcare challenge. This study aims at understanding experiences, knowledge, attitudes and (information) needs that GPs had and have in relation to Long-COVID and how these evolved since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The study used an exploratory qualitative research design using semistructured interviews. A total of 30 semistructured interviews with GPs in different primary care settings (single practices, group practices, primary care centres) were conducted between February and July 2022. The data were analysed using qualitative thematic content analysis with the software Atlas.ti. Results This is the first study that empirically investigated Long-COVID management by GPs in Austria during the third year of the pandemic. All GPs indicated having experience with Long-COVID. In cities, GPs tended to have slightly better networks with specialists. The GPs who already worked in teams tended to find the management of Long-COVID easier. The symptoms that the physicians described as Long-COVID symptoms corresponded to those described in the international literature, but it is unclear whether syndromes and symptomes such as Post-Exertional-Malaise, autonomic dysfunction such as postural tachycardia syndrome or Mast-Cell-Overactivation-Syndrom, and cognitive dysfunctions were also recognized and correctly classified since they were never mentioned. Most GPs reacted quickly by granting the needed sick leaves and by seeing and discussing with the patients often.The treatment of the patients is described as an enormous challenge and frustrating for patient and GP if the treatment does not yield to significantly improved health also due to the high costs for the patient. Conclusion Long-COVID will continue to preoccupy our health care systems for a long time to come, as new variants of COVID-19 will continue to produce new patients without adequate prevention strategies. Therefore, it is not a question of if but when good support for GPs and adequate care pathways for people with Long-COVID will be implemented. Specific contact points that are familiar with therapy-refractory postacute infection syndromes like the postacute COVID condition as a subgroup of Long-COVID are urgently needed.

Abstract Background Primary care is internationally recognised as one of the cornerstones of health care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, primary care physicians were assigned a variety of tasks and thus made a significant contribution to a country’s pandemic response. They were expected to perform a variety of tasks, such as diagnosing and treating people with COVID-19, maintaining health care for all other patients, as well as several public health tasks, such as diagnostic testing and vaccination, protecting patients and staff from infection, and serving as community trusted persons. In Austria, there are no structured levels of care, no definition of the role of the general practitioner during a pandemic is given, and no specific support structures are present. The aim of this study was to assess the views and experiences of primary care physicians regarding supportive and hindering factors for pandemic preparedness in Austria. Methods Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. A total of 30 general practitioners were interviewed, with particular attention to an equitable distribution in small, medium and large primary care facilities. Qualitative content analysis was performed. Results Interviewees described a wide range of infection control, organisational and communication measures that they had implemented. They made changes to practise equipment, found makeshift solutions when supplies were scarce, and established communication and information pathways when official communication lines were inadequate. Conclusion General practitioners took on essential tasks and showed a high level of understanding of their role in the pandemic response. This was achieved mainly at an informal level and with high personal commitment. Their functioning in the absence of structural regulations and support shows that they had a clear intrinsic understanding of their responsibilities. To ensure reliability and sustainability and to reduce their burden, it will be necessary to clarify the role and tasks of a general practitioner and to provide the necessary support. This concerns both infrastructural support and communication and information strategies. As part of the reform to strengthen primary care, primary care needs to be seen, valued and involved in decision-making processes.