Experience of General Practice Residents Caring for Dependent Elderly during the First COVID-19 Lockdown-A Qualitative Study.

Background: Understanding the experiences of general practice (GP) residents caring for dependent elderly people during the first lockdown as part of the countries COVID-19 pandemic strategy. The aim was to explore themes that could explain the gap between the missions and values at the heart of GP practice during this period of strict isolation.

Method: Qualitative study using an iterative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 GP residents using a pre-established interview guide. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed according to a coding grid, developed using Nvivo software (NVivo Qualitative Data Analysis Software; QSR International Pty Ltd. Version Release 1.5.1 (940) 2021), to identify emerging themes.

Results: Three themes emerged from this qualitative research: cognitive dissonance, psychosocial risks, and fear. General practice residents have lived in the paradox between care and deprivation of liberty of dependent elderly people.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the GP residents experienced a form of work-related suffering in this situation of deprivation of liberty of dependent elderly people. The present research serves as a pilot study to explore how GP residents experienced their care of locked-up dependent elderly people.