ABSTRACT
Introduction: In March 2020 the UK reported its first coronavirus related death. The weeks following saw rapid and frequent changes to the delivery of healthcare;face-to-face appointments were limited, elective procedures cancelled, and concerns about the availability of PPE began to surface. The potential impact of changing personal and professional circumstances on junior doctor well-being has been alluded to in statements from all UK Royal Colleges. We present results from the first part of a planned longitudinal prospective cohort study tracking trainee experiences during the pandemic. Methods: In May 2020, two months after than start of the pandemic, all UK paediatric cardiology trainees were invited to participate in an electronic survey. Questions addressed the work environment, training experiences and personal circumstances. Individual interviews were also conducted with 4 trainees. Results: 30/45 (67%) paediatric cardiology trainees from 7/10 U.K training regions (Liverpool, Cardiff and Belfast were not represented) completed the survey. Respondents were mostly aged 30-40 (77%), 48% female and 6 (20%) from ethnic minority backgrounds. The majority were working full time 27 (90%) and in higher/sub-speciality training 23 (77%). Most felt safe at work (89%) with access to appropriate PPE. Perceptions of workload intensity varied by region. 79% received formal teaching at 50%-100% of pre-pandemic levels. However, 93% reported reduced opportunities for sub-speciality training;61% characterised this as very significant. Well-being was almost unanimously negatively affected. Conclusions: Even during the first wave of the pandemic, the majority of U.K paediatric cardiology trainees felt safe at work. Workload intensity varied, reflecting changes in the configuration of cardiac services;in 1 London Centre and the East-Midlands, surgical/ interventional activity was paused. Higher/sub-speciality training was most impacted;where elective activity provides most experience. Well-being was virtually unanimously negatively impacted. COVID-19 has been the defining global healthcare crisis of the modern era. There has been a measurable impact on paediatric cardiology trainees;fewer cardiac catheterisations', restricted fetal screening, and a more emergency-driven case mix. Consideration of adjustment to training duration may be required pre-certification and our follow-up survey will aim to evaluate the longer-term implications of the pandemic on training.