Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: July-September | Volume: 6 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 62-69
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20210710
Impact of COVID-19 on Surgical Residency Training: Indian Perspective - A Review
Chetan V Kantharia1, Sharvari Pujari2, Kishor Jain3, Ramkrishna Prabhu4
1,2,3,4Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai-12
Corresponding Author: Chetan V Kantharia
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the health delivery system. The residency training program has had a major setback, with a maximum impact on Surgical residency training. This study attempts to explore the extent of impact of COVID-19 on Surgical Residency training and the corrective measures to be taken from the trainee’s perspective.
Methods: A Questionnaire was made and response was sought from the surgical trainees. The aspects of surgical training assessed were; the impact on hands on surgical training, bed-side clinical teaching, efficacy of the alternative virtual academic program and the OSCE based assessment. Suggestions were also sought with regards to the remedial measures needed to be taken. The responses were compiled and conclusion was drawn. Statistical analysis was made using SPSS software programme.
Results: A total of 68 residents participated in the survey. Of these, 17 (25.37%) were first year residents (6 from Govt and 11 from private institute), 26 (38.23%) second year (9 from Govt and 17 from private institute), and 25 (36.76%) third year residents (10 from Govt and 15 from private institute). The responses were analysed. All respondents reported decrease in clinical workload ranging from 50 to 90 %. The reported loss of surgical experience too ranged from 50-90% depending on the seniority of the residents. Operative autonomy too was experienced by only 13.23% of respondents. Reported decrease in the Bed side clinical training ranged from 50 to 95% All the respondents reported increase and benefits of online academic sessions with overall score >5 on a scale of 1-10. All the respondents (100%) approved of the OSCE pattern of exams held by the NBE board.
Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted surgical training. There is a need to assess the future training program advancement, with the need to include remedial measures, and adopting an individualized approach. The OSCE pattern of examination conducted has been accepted by all and recommended to be integrated as a part of the practical exams in future too. The virtual learning and telemedicine embraced in the time of pandemic, has had a great impact in enhancing surgical education
Keywords: COVID 19-infection, Impact on Residency training Program