How the COVID-19 pandemic changed urology residency - a nationwide survey from the Portuguese resident's perspective.

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of this article was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urology residency.Material and methodsA 30 question online survey was sent to all urology residents in Portugal between the 25th of April and the 25th of May 2020. Reduction in different areas of clinical activity during the COVID-19 period were evaluated and their perceived impact on their residency program was quantified.ResultsForty-three (54.4%) Portuguese urology residents responded to our inquiry. Eighty-one percent report having supressed their activity by more than 75% in the outpatient clinic; 48.8% in diagnostic procedures; 29.3% in endoscopic surgery; 67.5% in laparoscopic/robotic surgery and 17.5% in major open surgery. There were no differences in clinical activity reduction across residency years. Considering the impact of COVID-19 on urology training programs, 32.6% plan on prolonging residency. During the COVID-19 period, a larger number of residents report having spent more time developing research projects or on continuing medical education, as compared with the pre-COVID-19 period (p = 0.012).ConclusionsCOVID-19 had a major impact on Urology residency in Portugal, with major short- and long-term consequences. A large proportion of residents are considering prolonging their residency as a result.