Effectiveness of primary health care in the Republic of Kazakhstan during the COVID-19 pandemic and factors affecting it

INTRODUCTION: Investigation of the performance of primary health care in Kazakhstan during the COVID-19 pandemic and analysing the factors influencing it is critical to improving healthcare in the face of global challenges. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse the factors affecting the efficacy of primary health care in the Republic of Kazakhstan during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study design consisted of a two-stage data collection on primary health care in Kazakhstan during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a questionnaire survey of 10,459 participants from different regions and professional groups, and the application of complex statistical methods including correlation and regression analyses. RESULTS: The study found that nurses’ competence was most strongly influenced by interactions with physicians and knowledge of clinical guidelines in an epidemic setting. Statistically significant criteria such as prompt training (r = 0.081) and regular professional development (PD) (r = 0.189) showed no direct relationship with competence. General practitioners’ work during the pandemic included prompt training, provision of medicines (r = 0.519), and preventive outreach (r = 0.427). Competence of doctors and nurses was correlated (r = 0.576) with pandemic preparedness (r = 0.497) and effective health staff communication (r = 0.448). CONCLUSIONS: Organisational management effectiveness was related to the communication skills of managers and adequate resourcing of the clinic, where besides staff competence (r = 0.494), prompt provision of medicines and equipment (r = 0.759) played a significant role. Practical significance lies in the possibility of using the findings of this study to improve the efficiency of organisational work of primary healthcare institutions in Kazakhstan during pandemic and post-pandemic conditions.