Table 3 Access to and utilization of health care - sub-categories, brief definition and anchor example

Fewer consultations

Pertains to the reduction of medical consultations.

“In the second quarter, fewer number of cases and significantly fewer patient contacts.” (Hartmut Gendermann, family physician)

Cancellations

Pertains to cancellations of appointments, examinations, and surgeries, both by patients and healthcare professionals.

“[...] when the topic was quite topical. March, April, into May, many appointments, check-ups were canceled. Even, surgeries canceled, diagnostic procedures canceled." (Christoph Zobel, family physician)

Availability

Pertains to the experiences of always being available for patients.

“Due to the fact that the physicians’ offices, I must speak for all colleagues here, were always available during the entire Corona period and also for the [...] care of the patients, even though many tried to solve the question at the window and through the window and otherwise a lot with protective measures, all patients nevertheless got their medication and also the most important examinations that were necessary.” (Volker Heinze, family physician)

Normality returned

Pertains to the experiences that normality has returned regarding access and utilization of healthcare.

“That is currently no longer the case here. That means we have the same number of patients. No cancellations-. As they are scheduled, they come.” (Michael Haase, cardiologist)