ABSTRACT
Purpose: To report the degree to which post-graduate trainees in radiation oncology perceive their education has been impacted by COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered in June 2020 to trainee members of Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology (CARO). The 82-item survey was adapted from a similar survey administered during SARS and included the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction and Ways of Coping Questionnaires. The survey was developed using best practices including expert review and cognitive pre-testing. Frequency statistics are reported. Results: Thirty-four trainees (10 fellows, 24 residents) responded. Nearly half of participants indicated that the overall impact of COVID-19 on training was negative/very negative (n=15;46%) or neutral (n=15;46%) with a small number indicating a positive/very positive (n=3;9%). Majority of trainees agreed/ strongly agreed with the following statements: “I had difficulty concentrating on tasks because of concerns about COVID-19” (n=17;52%), “I had fears about contracting COVID-19” (n=17;52%), “I had fears of family/loved ones contracting COVID-19” (n= 29;88%), “I felt socially isolated from friends and family because of COVID-19” (n=23;70%), “I felt safe from COVID-19 in the hospital during my clinical duties“ (n=15;46%), and “I was concerned that my personal safety was at risk if/when I was redeployed from my planned clinical duties” (n=20;61%). The changes that had a negative/very negative impact on learning included “the impact of limited patient contact” (n=19;58%), “the impact of virtual patient contact” (n=11;33%), and “limitations to travel and networking” (n=31;91%). Most reported reduced teaching from staff (n=22;66%). Two-thirds of trainees (n=22, 67%) reported severe (>50%) reduction in ambulatory clinical activities, 16 (49%) reported a moderate (<50%) reduction in new patient consultations, while virtual follow-ups (n=25: 76%) and in-patient clinical care activities (n=12;36%) increased. Nearly half of respondents reported no impact on contouring (n=16;49%), on-treatment management (n=17;52%) and tumour boards (n=14;42%) with the majority of other respondents reporting a decrease in these activities. Electives were cancelled in province (n=10/20;50%), out-of-province (n=16/20;80%) and internationally (n=15/18;83%). Conclusions: Significant changes to radiation oncology training were wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic and roughly half of trainees perceive that these changes had a negative impact on their training. Safety concerns for self and family were significant and strategies to mitigate these concerns should be a priority.