Reflections of rural primary care physicians on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Physicians working in rural primary care clinics described a myriad of experiences during the pandemic. Difficulties in addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation about the pandemic were consistently identified as negatively affecting relationships with patients and some staff. Fewer in-person interactions with colleagues negatively impacted relationships, although the ability to connect with others through virtual methods was viewed positively. Future work could address the loss of collegiality and increasing isolation among clinicians attributed to continued use of virtual tools and increased remote work.