Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic urology trainees in the West of Scotland

Abstract

Hospitals worldwide have taken unprecedented steps to cope with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Changes to services created challenges for delivering training in urology. Statutory education bodies implemented processes addressing trainee progression, but the extent of training disruption has not been quantified. To establish the impact on urology trainees in the West of Scotland, online questionnaires were sent to trainees and educational supervisors. Twenty-five trainees working at six hospitals across four health boards responded. Elective operating was significantly reduced, with 64% of trainees having no weekly sessions. Before the pandemic, the majority of trainees (92%) had one or two clinic sessions or more per week, but with new measures, 76% of trainees did not attend clinics. Trainee attendance at multidisciplinary team meetings halved during the pandemic. Sixteen per cent ( n=4) of trainees were redeployed, with 50% ( n=2) reporting no educational benefit. Commonly used alternative educational resources included webinars (52%) and online teaching modules (28%). Thirty-two per cent ( n=8) of trainees had examinations postponed. COVID-19 has impacted urology training in the West of Scotland, with a significant reduction in training opportunities across elective theatre, clinic exposure and education. However, trainees will be more adaptable, learn to work remotely, have opportunities to develop leadership and may help redesign services for the future of urology. Level of evidence: Not applicable.