A Cross-sectional Study on the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Postgraduate Medical Training and Mental Health

Abstract

Abstract Background: The regulations for Postgraduate Medical Education in 2021, established by the National Medical Commission, aim to produce skilled and efficient medical professionals. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had detrimental effects on the academic aspects, clinical training, and mental health of postgraduates. Most of the studies have primarily focused on the impact of COVID-19 on clinical departments, while pre- and para-clinical departments have been largely ignored. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the specific impact of COVID-19 on academics, clinical skills, and mental health among postgraduates. Methods: Between mid-August and mid-October 2022, face-to-face interviews were conducted with postgraduates from all three batches using a semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included inquiries regarding the impact of COVID-19 on academic and clinical aspects. The mental health of postgraduates was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. A total of 230 responses were collected, entered into MS Excel, and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Out of approximately 1200 eligible postgraduates, only 230 (19%) participated in the study. Among the findings, 52.9% of postgraduates did not have any physical classes, while 59.6% expressed satisfaction with virtual classes. Virtual examinations had a negative impact on 61.3% of the postgraduates. Furthermore, a significant majority (88.8%) of postgraduates reported being unable to learn clinical procedures due to the absence of ward rounds. The mental health of the postgraduates, except for 96 individuals, was adversely affected. Conclusion: By this study, it can be concluded that COVID-19 has had a severe impact on the academics, clinical skills, and mental health of postgraduates.