The Early Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Resident Education: A National Assessment.

PURPOSE: Residency programs must ensure resident competence for independent practice. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare delivery, impacting pediatric residencies. This study examines the impact on pediatric resident education. METHODS: The authors conducted a mixed methods national survey of pediatric residency program directors (PDs) from May- July 2020. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, χ2, Wilcox rank sum tests. Multivariable modeling identified factors associated with resident preparation for more senior roles. Thematic analysis was performed on open-ended questions about PD COVID-19 pandemic recommendations to peers, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and American Board of Pediatrics. RESULTS: Response rate was 55% (110/199). PDs reported the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected inpatient (n= 86, 78.2%), and outpatient education (n=104, 94.5%), procedural competence (n=64; 58.2%), and resident preparation for more senior roles (n= 50, 45.5%). In bivariate analyses, increasingly negative impacts on inpatient and outpatient education were associated with an increasingly negative impact on resident preparation for more senior roles (p=0.03, p=0.008), these relationships held true in multivariable analysis. Qualitative analysis identified 4 themes from PD recommendations: 1) Clear communication from governing bodies and other leaders; 2) Flexibility within programs and from governing bodies; 3) Clinical exposure is key for competency development; 4) Online platforms are important for education, communication, and support. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted inpatient and outpatient education. When these were more negatively impacted, resident preparation for more senior roles was worse. Highlighting the importance of competency based medical education to tailor experiences ensuring each resident is competent for independent practice. WHAT'S NEW: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted inpatient and outpatient clinical education which negatively impacted resident preparation for more senior roles. This highlights the importance of competency based medical education to ensure each graduating resident is competent for independent practice.