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A mixed methods study on the patterns of practice of paediatricians during the COVID-19 pandemic in South India

Objectives: This study assesses the impact of COVID-19 on various aspects of clinical practice including clinic and hospital practice, immunisation and newborn and emergency care services among paediatricians practising in South India. The study also describes the practice of personal protection and risk perception by the same paediatricians Method: Purposive sampling with snowball technique was used. The duration of collection of data was from August to October 2020. Quantitative survey of 176 practising paediatricians from South India was done using a validated questionnaire using Google forms which were sent via email or WhatsApp links. Qualitative data were collected by telephonic interview by the key primary researcher. After obtaining verbal consent, the telephonic conversation was recorded and data was analysed. Results: While most of the doctors kept their clinics open, with limited timings during the pandemic, 31.5% completely closed their clinics;88.8% have experienced a fall in the number of patients and 92% experienced a fall in their income. Majority made changes in their clinic practice like using hand sanitizer, minimising bystanders and use of masks and face shields in the clinic. The time spent with each patient during the pandemic was also reduced by 60%. The time spent on counselling sessions has been reduced by 64.3% of the consultants. Majority of the paediatricians continued to give immunisation but more than half of them experienced a decrease in the number of children brought for immunisation. Among the patients who visited the clinics, majority were for non-respiratory complaints. Most doctors were not involved in paid teleconsultation. Conclusions: COVID 19 has affected paediatricians at all levels. There is a major change in the clinical practice so as to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. © 2021, Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health. All Rights Reserved.