P7 How has COVID-19 impacted on the wellbeing and training of junior doctors?

Abstract

<h3>Introduction and Objectives</h3> The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing and training of junior doctors in the UK remains under-evaluated, with limited published literature. The restructuring of rotas, redeployment of specialities and daily risk of COVID-19 exposure are all likely to have had a significant effect on frontline doctors. We conducted an anonymous survey with the aim of analysing the impact of COVID-19 on the wellbeing and training of junior doctors at a large tertiary London hospital <h3>Methods</h3> An anonymous online survey was sent to 600 junior doctors, three weeks after the peak of COVID-19 admissions to obtain feedback on perceptions of the effects of COVID on their wellbeing and training. <h3>Results</h3> <b>Wellbeing:</b> 161 junior doctors responded to the survey, with 34% (n=47) of doctors reporting a high level of concern regarding risk to their personal health and 71% (n=102) reporting a negative effect on their sleep; with 67% (n=64) finding this stayed the same or worsened through the pandemic.<b> Clinical capabilities:</b> 26% (n=34) of doctors reported high levels of concern related to their clinical competency in dealing with COVID-19 patients, with surgeons making up the majority of this group.<b> Support:</b> 82% (n=112) of doctors felt supported during the pandemic, with friends, family and informal peer support groups being the most used coping systems. 22% of trainees (n=31) adapted their living arrangements with 52% (n=13) of those moving accommodation to protect their families. <b>Training:</b> 40% (n=52) of doctors felt the pandemic was going to have a long-lasting effect on their careers, with reduced training opportunities and clinical exposure. 44% of surgeons (n=7) and 50% of non-acute specialties (n=12) wanted training to be formally extended. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This study highlights the need for hospital trusts and national training bodies to recognise the impact of, and implement robust strategies in response to, the COVID-19 pandemic. The perceptions of existing formal hospital wellbeing and psychological support systems, which were not widely accessed by this group, require further analysis, in order to aid the development of initiatives to adequately support junior doctors.