Impact of COVID-19 on the functioning of medical facilities in Poland

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic in Poland lasted from March 2020 to May 2022. As a result of the new strain of the virus, it was necessary to change the way primary health care units work. In order to allow patients to interact with medical staff, teleconsultations were introduced. This was thought to reduce the spread of the virus and reduce the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2. Many other countries have seen a reduction in in-person visits and an increase in online doctor consultations. The aim of the study was to examine the level of services provided by medical facilities, including efficiency, effectiveness and patient satisfaction. The survey, which included 246 people, showed that most respondents used remote visits during the pandemic and more than 50% of them believe that clinics were not adequately prepared for the epidemiological situation. Despite the rapid development of technology in the medical sector, patients still prefer the traditional form of medical consultation, which they argue is more accurate and insightful for the doctor during this type of visit.