Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the residency programs of the country: A multicentre study.

Syed Ashoor Hasan Kazmi,Laima Alam,Syed Kumail Hasan Kazmi,Mafaza Alam

doi:10.12669/pjms.37.2.3496

Abstract

Objective:To provide an insight on the disruption of multiple facets of residency programs in a multi-centre study.Methods:This cross-sectional survey was carried out by enrolling the available residents from three teaching hospitals of the country by sending a questionnaire through email. The questionnaire comprised of three parts; 1) basic demographics, 2) effect on multiple facets of training and 3) the use of smart learning with the support provided by the hospitals. Data collection was started during the first week of June 2020 after acquiring ethical approval from the concerned department and the total duration of the study was one month. Data was analysed using SPSS v. 19.0.Results:A hundred-and-five completed responses were obtained with a response rate of 42%. Fifty-nine percent of the participants were female residents. Majority of the residents (69%) belonged to the age group 25-30 years. Fourth year residents (38%) showed maximum participation and the mean number of work days per month were 22±5.4. All of the aspects of training suffered complete or severe reduction except for the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings, elective rotations and e-log book entries. Sixty seven to sixty-nine percent of the residents felt complete clinical, educational and psychological desertion in their departments, 59% used telemedicine and 90% reported non-availability of smart learning facilities.Conclusion:Overall, our study confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially affected the clinical skills, teaching and personal growth of many trainees. There is a decrease in exposure to almost all of the aspects of training with no alternative in the form of smart learning provided to many. Clinical, educational and psychological support, although an extremely important part of healthcare staffing and management, has been largely neglected as well.

Highlights

The number of active cases and deaths secondary to COVID-19 are rising rapidly following a steep ascending curve.[1]
Many of the residents belonging to diverse specialties have been redeployed to cater COVID-19 patients and wards, causing cancellation of elective procedures and elimination of Out Patient visits which were the main sources of learning for the residents.[5]
We present a cross-sectional survey, one of its own kind, locally and internationally, involving residents from many different specialties of three large teaching hospitals of the country to gauge the possible impact of the pandemic on their training routines

Summary

Introduction

The number of active cases and deaths secondary to COVID-19 are rising rapidly following a steep ascending curve.[1]. Maintaining a steady supply of workforce in these unprecedented conditions for providing clinical care to the masses, flexibility in the current health care guidelines, adjustments in trainee scheduling and flow, re-evaluation of resident duties and prospects, and the need for frequent assessments in a safe environment are needed.[3]. The re-percussions of the unprecedented challenges are being felt almost by all specialties and fellowship programs of the medical field.[4] Many of the residents belonging to diverse specialties have been redeployed to cater COVID-19 patients and wards, causing cancellation of elective procedures (normally done by residents) and elimination of Out Patient visits which were the main sources of learning for the residents.[5] The balance between clinical work, research, educational aspect of training and personal growth and development has been disrupted severely.[6]

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Discussion

Conclusion