CHANGES IN ATTITUDES TO SELF-CARE AND PERSON-CENTERED MEDICINE IN THE UK SINCE THE ADVENT OF COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Attitudes to self-care changed rapidly during the pandemic. Public and professionals alike were mandated to accept changes that required wholesale adoption of self-care practices.Objectives: Assess changes in public and healthcare professional (HCP) attitudes to self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A pragmatic review of three relevant initiatives that took place in 2020 and 2021, assessing changes in attitudes of members of the public and one study of health and social care professionals’ opinions using an electronic survey and personal interviews. The key findings of these initiatives were contextualized to arrive at a consolidated view of how public and professional attitudes changed since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: Public attitudes changed to understand and accommodate the need for self-care as reflected in government instructions. Professionals changed approaches both in their attitudes to self-care and their practice in its promotion to respond to the pressure of the pandemic.Conclusion: Attitudes to and understanding of self-care have undergone rapid and significant change as result of the pandemic. Whether the results are beneficial or permanent will depend upon whether public, professionals, and central government are prepared to support and encourage these changes.