A longitudinal qualitative study of the UK general practice workforce experience of COVID-19.

Participants' narratives describe the challenges COVID-19 presented to general practice. Responses mirror the shifts in the pandemic and its management - from an initial sense of autonomy but uncertainty, to a period of stability and patients' increasing frustration. The re-organisation of general practice has affected practitioners' views of their work and their role as clinicians. Participants' narratives were framed profoundly by the importance of their relationships with patients. This analysis of practitioners' and managers' narratives highlights the need for further exploration of how to support the general practice workforce's well-being longer term in a context of increased demand and significant change.