ABSTRACT
Study Objectives: Interpersonal relationships between emergency medicine resident physicians and their colleagues is key for resident wellness and for optimizing patient care. Studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced social connectedness and negatively impacted workplace social capital in many non-medical professions, yet studies are limited in the medical field, particularly with physicians. This project sought to uncover resident physician perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 on professional relationships and to gain ideas on how to optimize workplace social capital despite and beyond the current limitations of the pandemic. Methods: This study was conducted at a single academic hospital in the United States between March-April 2021. Data was collected from emergency medicine residents via open-ended response online surveys and a semi-structured focus group discussion. A team of three investigators independently analyzed data from open-ended survey responses and the focus group transcription, using a grounded-theory approach and consensus of the independent analyses was subsequently generated to identify final themes and subthemes. Results: Three main themes regarding resident perspective on professional interpersonal relationships and social capital were identified: team, trust, and support. We also report the 6 core factors discussed by residents that have changed secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic. EM resident physicians feel that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted environment, socialization, staff turnover, teaching/debriefing, capacity limits and approach to education, which have demonstrated an overall negative impact on interpersonal relationships and social capital. It has also, however, positively impacted a sense of unity within the emergency department team that residents feel has enhanced relationships and social capital. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic will have lasting impacts on the way our hospitals and residencies function. The findings of this study may help to ignite discussion on how we can build on the positive, while limit the negative impacting features that have been shaped from the COVID-19 pandemic. [Formula presented] [Formula presented] [Formula presented]