COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Practice and Education of Emergency Medicine Residents

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively influenced several aspects of medical education (ME). Objectives: We aimed to assess the perception of emergency medicine (EM) residents of COVID-19 impacts on the quality of ME and their wellness. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Tehran, Iran. A questionnaire consisting of 33 questions (5 on hospital experience, 5 on clinical experience, 12 on education, and 11 on wellness) and 1 open-ended question were designed based on the elements found in the existing literature. Face and content validity were determined by an expert panel. The baseline and demographic data were recorded, and the viewpoints of EM residents about different items in the questionnaire (ME and wellness) were evaluated. Results: The mean age of residents was 36.4 ± 7.3 years, and 64.8% and 71.8% of the participants were female and married, respectively. Most residents (81.7%) had a previous history of COVID-19 infection (mainly mild and outpatient). We observed that 90.1% of the residents had concerns about transmitting the virus to their families. Most residents agreed on the negative impacts of COVID-19 on the EM residency program and routine clinical care in hospitals. COVID-19 led to a decrease in the diversity of other diseases and bedside learning opportunities. They added that virtual learning and online programs were comfortable and flexible despite some unpleasant outcomes. EM residents experienced anxiety and stress due to the change in physical and social activities and sleep habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Emergency medicine residents declared that despite the positive attitudes developed after the pandemic, COVID-19 had non-negligible and negative effects on ME. They were also exposed to greater anxiety and worriedness during the mentioned period.