Abstract
BackgroundAcute augmentation of stress and disruption of training, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, may impact resident wellbeing.ObjectivesWe investigated how residents in various specialties in the United States were impacted by COVID-19 on mental wellbeing and resilience levels, and the methodology for coping with the stress incurred.MethodsIn April 2020, the authors electronically surveyed 200 residency programs of all specialties nationally. The survey utilized two validated questionnaires to assess wellbeing and resilience, while investigating demographics and coping mechanisms. The authors used student t-test and ANOVA to quantitatively analyze the data.ResultsThe sample consisted of 1115 respondents (with an 18% response rate). Male gender & Age >39 years were associated with more favorable average well-being indices (both p<0.01). Regarding resources, institutional support (IS) appeared favorable for resident well-being (IS 2.74, SD1.96 vs NoIS 3.71, SD2.29, p<0.01) & resilience (IS 3.72, SD0.70 vs NoIS 3.53, SD0.73, p = 0.05). The effects of mindfulness practices (MP) were not statistically significant for improvement of wellness (MP 2.87, SD 1.99 vs No MP 2.76, SD 2.15, p = 0.85) or resilience (MP 3.71, SD 0.70 vs No MP 3.72, SD 0.68, p = 0.87).ConclusionsFindings highlight the critical importance of resident mental status in cases of augmented stress situations. Institutional support may contribute to promotion of resident wellbeing.
Highlights
Resident physician mental wellness has increasingly been an area of study within the healthcare field
We investigated how residents in various specialties in the United States were impacted by COVID-19 on mental wellbeing and resilience levels, and the methodology for coping with the stress incurred
The sample consisted of 1115 respondents
Summary
Resident physician mental wellness has increasingly been an area of study within the healthcare field. By providing care to patients, many residents are risking their personal safety. The stress of the pandemic, the rapidly rising burden of COVID-19 cases, and working in hazardous conditions can take a significant mental toll. In response to these new realities, programs and residents are forced to adapt. Beyond program endeavors to alleviate stress placed on residents, individual coping strategies and mindfulness techniques have become more important for mental wellness preservation. Acute augmentation of stress and disruption of training, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, may impact resident wellbeing
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