Abstract
ObjectivesTo assess changes in working patterns and education experienced by radiology residents in Northwest Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online questionnaire was sent to residents of 9 postgraduate schools in Lombardy and Piedmont, investigating demographics, changes in radiological workload, involvement in COVID-19-related activities, research, distance learning, COVID-19 contacts and infection, changes in training profile, and impact on psychological wellbeing. Descriptive and χ2 statistics were used.ResultsAmong 373 residents invited, 300 (80%) participated. Between March and April 2020, 44% (133/300) of respondents dedicated their full time to radiology; 41% (124/300) engaged in COVID-19-related activities, 73% (90/124) of whom working in COVID-19 wards; 40% (121/300) dedicated > 25% of time to distance learning; and 66% (199/300) were more involved in research activities than before the pandemic. Over half of residents (57%, 171/300) had contacts with COVID-19-positive subjects, 5% (14/300) were infected, and 8% (23/300) lost a loved one due to COVID-19. Only 1% (3/300) of residents stated that, given the implications of this pandemic scenario, they would not have chosen radiology as their specialty, whereas 7% (22/300) would change their subspecialty. The most common concerns were spreading the infection to their loved ones (30%, 91/300), and becoming sick (7%, 21/300). Positive changes were also noted, such as being more willing to cooperate with other colleagues (36%, 109/300).ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic changed radiology residents’ training programmes, with distance learning, engaging in COVID-19-related activities, and a greater involvement in research becoming part of their everyday practice.Key Points• Of 300 participants, 44% were fully dedicated to radiological activity and 41% devoted time to COVID-19-related activities, 73% of whom to COVID-19 wards.• Distance learning was substantial for 40% of residents, and 66% were involved in research activities more than before the COVID-19 pandemic.• Over half of residents were exposed to COVID-19 contacts and less than one in twenty was infected.
Highlights
When the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 2020, the Italian Healthcare system was already facing significant challenges responding to the virus spreading [1]
Distance learning was substantial for 40% of residents, and 66% were involved in research activities more than before the COVID-19 pandemic
This survey revealed that over 40% of radiology residents devoted part of their time to COVID-19-related activities, pointing out how a consistent amount of radiology residents consider themselves first and foremost “physicians,” and highlights the cross-disciplinary potential of radiology training
Summary
When the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 2020, the Italian Healthcare system was already facing significant challenges responding to the virus spreading [1]. Radiology departments reshaped their work routine to better fit for the fight against the pandemic, while ensuring the safety of their workers: dedicated pathways for COVID-19-positive patients have been introduced, screening programs and non-urgent elective imaging have been postponed, while remote working has been encouraged whenever possible [5, 6]. Radiology training in Italy consists of a 4-year residency during which the residents rotate throughout the main radiological imaging modalities/techniques and subspecialties, gaining clinical experience in guiding the execution and in reporting diagnostic studies as well as in performing interventional procedures. They follow an educational programme mainly based on frontal lessons
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