AB1501 EFFECT OF SARS-COV-19 PANDEMIC ON RHEUMATOLOGY TRAINING IN INDIA

Abstract

BackgroundThe current study aims to gauge the magnitude of the effect the pandemic has had on Rheumatology training (including the effect on clinical, academic and research training) in India, their physical, mental and social wellbeing during the pandemic and the perceived changes in Rheumatology training and care during the pandemic from the trainee’s viewObjectives1.To asses the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the training of Rheumatology Residents (DM, DNB and Fellows)2.Understand the issues faced by trainees and the extent of affection.MethodsStudy design: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study using an online survey sent to rheumatology trainees in India.Sample: Convenience sampling was used, so the sample size was not calculated.Inclusion and exclusion criteria: Rheumatology trainees from India including DM/DNB residents and fellows with the ability and desire to complete the survey were included.Data collection and instruments: The link to the survey was sent to the rheumatology trainees through social media platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram and email.Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics were performed by calculating measures of central tendency for quantitative variables and using counts and percentages for qualitative and nominal variables.ResultsA total of 78 trainees from 24 institutes in 12 states participated in the study. Mean age of the participants was 31 with 70% of trainees being male and 30 % females. 56 (70%) participants were DM students, 15 (19%) participants were DNB students, 5 fellowship students and 2 Non- academic Senior Residents. An overwhelming majority of residents (84%) felt COVID-19 Pandemic Negatively impacted their residency and their Physical (65%), Mental(74%) and Social wellbeing (80%). 79% of trainees felt burnt-out due to the pandemic. Majority of trainee felt the pandemic negatively impacted their training with clinical teaching(91%), Clinical examination skill (74%), current(80%) and future(70%) research opportunities suffered during the pandemic. Most residents felt diminution and significant reduction of the overall footfall(99% & 72%) of patients in rheumatology including OPD(100% & 77%) and indoor(99% & 67%) admissions along with academics(85% & 35%), procedures(97% & 66%) and exposure to musculoskeletal ultrasound(96% & 71%). Almost 60% and 40% of trainees had their OPDs and indoor admissions stopped during COVID-19 pandemic of these 20% had their OPDs and Admissions closed for more than 6 months. 85% of the participants had one or the other psychological symptoms with almost half experiencing anxiety(44%), low mood(47%) or lack of sleep(41%); 85% were concerned about their family members being infected and 40% lost a close relative to COVID. 91% of the trainee were posted in COVID-duties 2/3rd of them in ICUs, 50% being posted for 1-3 months and 20% more than 3 months, a quarter of trainees got infected during their duties (COVID and Non-COVID) and though most had asymptomatic to mild COVID, 15% still had moderate to severe COVID. Teleconsultation was started by more than half of the respondents after COVID related lockdowns with greater than half not being happy with teleconsultations.ConclusionThe COVID-19 Pandemic has completely altered the status quo for rheumatology trainees and has affected their physical, social and mental wellbeing. Academic and clinical training has reduced, Current and future Research has become difficult, disruptions in OPDs and Admissions, recurrent COVID postings and reduction in patient footfall, Procedures and MSK-US have been detrimental to trainees.