IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON TRAINING ACTIVITIES OF GENERAL SURGERY RESIDENTS IN PAKISTAN ARMY

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on general surgery residency among post graduate trainees of military hospitals of Pakistan

Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative study.

Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospitals across the country approved for Surgery Residency, from 10th Mar 2020 to 10th May 2020.

Methodology: All residents of general surgery were asked about their involvement in resident activity, outpatient clinic activity, diagnostic surgical procedures, minor surgical procedures, emergency and elective surgical procedures, minimally invasive procedures, tele-teaching activities and overall decline in training activities before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. They were also asked about the duties with COVID-19 patients.

Results: Sixty five (81.2%) believed that outpatient work and 60 (74%) believed that elective surgical procedures have almost stopped completely during the COVID-19 pandemic. 34 (42.5%) thought mild decrease in overall activity, 32 (40%) thought severe decrease and 14 (17.5%) thought that there was complete suppression of training activities during this pandemic. 38 (47.5%) had no involvement in COVID-19 unit, 22 (27.5%) had partial involvement while 20 (25%) general surgery residents were completely attached with COVID-19 unit. More attachment to the COVID-19 unit and the early years of residency had a significant relationship with the overall decline in training activities.

Conclusion: Elective surgical procedures and outpatient clinics have been affected the most from point of view of general surgery resident, which have not only been affecting the routine patients but also the academic activities of the residents. Residents who were in the early years of their training or who were attached to the COVID-19 unit were more dissatisfied with the overall decline in departmental activities.