Benefits and Limitations of Virtual Recruitment: Perspectives From Subspeciality Directors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Because of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and recommendations from a range of leaders and organizations, the pediatrics subspecialty 2020 recruitment season was entirely virtual. Minimal data exist on the effect of this change to guide future strategies. The aim of this study was to understand the effects of virtual recruitment on pediatric subspecialty programs as perceived by program leaders. METHODS: This concurrent, triangulation, mixed-methods study used a survey that was developed through an iterative (3 cycles), consensus-building, modified Delphi process and sent to all pediatric subspecialty program directors (PSPDs) between April and May 2021. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used, and a conceptual framework was developed. RESULTS: Forty-two percent (352 of 840) of PSPDs responded from 16 of the 17 pediatric (94%) subspecialties; 60% felt the virtual interview process was beneficial to their training program. A majority of respondents (72%) reported cost savings were a benefit; additional benefits included greater efficiency of time, more applicants per day, greater faculty involvement, and perceived less time away from residency for applicants. PSPDs reported a more diverse applicant pool. Without an in-person component, PSPDs worried about programs and applicants missing informative, in-person interactions and applicants missing hospital tours and visiting the city. A model based upon theory of change was developed to aid program considerations for future application cycles. CONCLUSIONS: PSPDs identified several benefits to virtual recruitment, including ease of accommodating increased applicants with a diverse applicant pool and enhanced faculty involvement. Identified limitations included reduced interaction between the applicant and the larger institution/city.

Evaluating Pediatric Families’ Understanding of and Reactions to COVID-19 Visitor Restrictions

The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in hospital visitor policies and little is known about the impact on patients and their families. This study evaluated families’ understanding of and reactions to COVID-19-related visitor restriction policy at an academic children's hospital. We conducted a cross-sectional study with families of patients admitted to the pediatric ICU and general pediatric wards from September 2020 to November 2020. Parents (n = 73) completed a survey assessing communication, understanding of and satisfaction with visitor policies, strategies of coping with illness, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. Descriptive analyses were performed to summarize data. Associations between outcomes and participant characteristics were examined. A majority (88%) of respondents reported hospital visitor restrictions were explained, usually in-person (94%), and understood the policy “very well” (68%), but none correctly identified all reasons for visitation restrictions. Eighty-five percent reported other family/friends would have visited, however minority families were more likely to report they would have had fewer visitors if restrictions were not in place (P = 0.0385). A majority (69%) were satisfied with how the hospital handled visitor polices, and parents of older children were more satisfied (P < .0001). HADS scores were consistent with anxiety or depression in about half of respondents. Forty percent of respondents believed restrictions affected their own and their child's ability to cope during hospitalization. Parents expressed satisfaction with and understanding of visitor policies but did not understand the rationale for visitor restrictions. Visitor restrictions may impact parental and child coping and mental health outcomes.