ABSTRACT
The continuous and ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highly affected pulmonologists and pulmonology residents worldwide. To identify where additional work and resources must be focused, it is important to explore on what parameters the pulmonologists and residents are challenged. We present the results of a society-led survey on pulmonologists’ and pulmonology residents’ work and clinical life during the pandemic. A total of 579 pulmonologists and pulmonology residents completed the survey (5.9% of the European Respiratory Society's physician members) and most respondents answered that they have had sufficient training on how to handle patients with COVID-19 (e.g. how to handle patients to prevent virus spread). However, more than a third of the respondents (n=210, 36.3%) had performed procedures they did not feel competent in due to the pandemic and, for example, relocation to COVID-19 units. We must strive for investment in research on medical education and potentially simulation-based training in technical procedures to ensure competence and decrease the insecurity about new procedures, especially in the setting of worldwide pandemics or acute critical situations. Pulmonologists and pulmonology residents are highly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than a third have performed procedures they did not feel competent in. Investment in medical education research is necessary to counter future crises and pandemics.https://bit.ly/3tiOVh0
ABSTRACT
The continuous and ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highly affected pulmonologists and pulmonology residents worldwide. To identify where additional work and resources must be focused, it is important to explore on what parameters the pulmonologists and residents are challenged. We present the results of a society-led survey on pulmonologists' and pulmonology residents' work and clinical life during the pandemic. A total of 579 pulmonologists and pulmonology residents completed the survey (5.9% of the European Respiratory Society's physician members) and most respondents answered that they have had sufficient training on how to handle patients with COVID-19 (e.g. how to handle patients to prevent virus spread). However, more than a third of the respondents (n=210, 36.3%) had performed procedures they did not feel competent in due to the pandemic and, for example, relocation to COVID-19 units. We must strive for investment in research on medical education and potentially simulation-based training in technical procedures to ensure competence and decrease the insecurity about new procedures, especially in the setting of worldwide pandemics or acute critical situations.
ABSTRACT
The European Respiratory Society congress in the year 2020, a year dominated by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, was the first virtual congress planned with an innovative and interactive congress programme upfront. It was a large, novel platform for scientific discussion and presentations of cutting-edge innovative developments. This article summarises a selection of the scientific highlights from the Clinical Techniques, Imaging and Endoscopy assembly (assembly 14). In addition to presentations on the important role of bronchoscopy, imaging and ultrasound techniques in the field of SARS-CoV-2 infection, novel diagnostic approaches and innovative therapeutic strategies in patients with lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, obstructive airway disorders and infectious diseases were discussed.