Impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 em um programa de residência médica em pediatria no município do Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic - a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) was decreed. Since then, there has been a need for adaptations in the pediatric medical residency program (MRP) at a federal hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: Retrospective observational study whose objective was to describe the modifications in the pediatric MRP at a federal hospital resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Our pediatric MRP implemented adaptations such as: postponement of outpatient consultations; reduction in the number of residents allocated to the wards; temporary suspension of external rotations except for maternity rotation; training for proper dressing and undressing procedures; removal of residents with chronic diseases, pregnancy and those with suspected COVID-19; implementation of remote consultation and educational activities in a virtual environment. Data from March, April, May, and June 2020 were analyzed. During this period, 4 residents from pediatrics were removed due to chronic diseases or pregnancy. Of the 37 remaining residents of the PRM, 27 (73%) were removed due to issues related to COVID-19 (suspected COVID-19 or psychological stress). Of these, coronavirus infection was confirmed in 15 residents (40.5%). CONCLUSION: The pandemic caused the removal of many residents on suspicion of COVID-19 and alteration of the services routines. There was a significant reduction in outpatient consultations and suspension of face-to-face theoretical activities. In any case, the adoption of digital platforms for remote consultations and teaching activities allowed the maintenance of patient care and continued medical education.