Impact of COVID-19 on asthma management in general practice: a qualitative study

Background and objective The COVID-19 pandemic catalysed unprecedented changes to healthcare delivery in Australia, leading to a rapid transformation of asthma management, to which healthcare providers and patients have had to adapt. Understanding the impact of these changes is critical as we emerge from pandemic-affected workflows. Methods A qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted with 19 general practitioners across Sydney and regional New South Wales. Reflexive thematic analysis of interview data was undertaken. Results Four key themes were identified: disorganised asthma care before COVID.19; chaotic asthma care during the pandemic; adapting to non-guideline-driven telehealth asthma care; and widening health agenda misalignment. Discussion This study highlights the triumphs and gaps in asthma management during the pandemic and the vulnerability of existing asthma care systems to disruption. These lessons can be used to re-evaluate how we deliver asthma care and inform future models of care as we transition towards a ‘post-COVID’ landscape.