8 Resident Physician Perspectives on the Impact Of COVID-19 on Professional Interpersonal Relationships and Workplace Social Capital: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Interpersonal relationships between emergency medicine resident physicians and their colleagues is key for resident wellness and for optimizing patient care. Studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced social connectedness and negatively impacted workplace social capital in many non-medical professions, yet studies are limited in the medical field, particularly with physicians. This project sought to uncover resident physician perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 on professional relationships and to gain ideas on how to optimize workplace social capital despite and beyond the current limitations of the pandemic.