Medical students' mood adversely affected by COVID-19 pandemic: An interim analysis from the SPICE-19 prospective cohort study of 2075 medical students and interim foundation doctors

ABSTRACT

Background: Currently, we can only speculate on what the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been on medical students and interim foundation year doctors. In order to support them appropriately both now and, in the future, it is imperative that we understand the impact it has had upon them. This study assessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical students and interim foundation year doctors across the United Kingdom (UK), and the support that they received and sought. Methods: A prospective, observational, multicentre study was conducted. All medical students and interim foundation year doctors were eligible to participate. The data analysis was carried out as detailed a priori in the protocol. Findings: A total of 2075 individuals participated in the SPICE-19 survey from 33 medical schools. There was a significant (p<0.0001) decrease in participants' mood when comparing their mood before the pandemic to during the pandemic. Social distancing and more time at home/with family were the factors that negatively and positively respectively impacted the mood of the greatest number of participants. All areas of life included in the survey were found to have been significantly more negatively impacted than positively impacted (p<0.0001). 931 participants wanted more support from their university. Participants were mainly seeking support with exam preparation, course material, and financial guidance. Discussion: Medical and foundation schools need to prepare adequate and effective support. If no action is taken, there may be a knock-on effect on workforce planning and the health of our future workforce. When medical students return to their universities, there is likely to be need for enhanced wellbeing support, adaptations in the short-term and long-term strategies for medical education, and provision of financial guidance.