A Web-based Cross-sectional Survey to Assess the Effect of Pandemic on Medical Education of Surgery Residents in a Tertiary Care Hospital

ABSTRACT

Aim: Effect of pandemic on medical education of surgical residents in a tertiary care hospital in Bihar Methods: A web-based survey was conducted to assess the effect of COVID-19 on the residents in various surgical specialties in our institute. The "open epi" software was used to calculate the sample size. The interview questions were generated through focus group discussions with five surgery residents from various specialties. Maslach burnout index (MBI) was used to assess burnout experienced by surgical residents. It was modified such that each of the individual components was asked as a yes or no question. Yes, was considered as 1 point and not as 0 points. The score of 22 questions was simply added. Result(s) A total of 100 surgical residents completed the survey out of 130 residents who received it (response rate 76.9%). Of the 100 respondents, 58(58%) were male, and 86 (86%) residents were less than 30 years of age. 24 percent of respondents were in the first year of their residency, 43% in their second year, and the remaining in the final year. Residents from 8 surgical specialties participated in the survey 85(85%) surgical residents felt the reduction in bed strength, and 83(83%) felt reduction in the number of patients seen by a resident in the outpatient clinic had impacted their learning. The amount of time spent on research work, however, increased by 66(66%). The 76(76%) residents efficiently utilized telemedicine for outpatient care, and 69(69%) residents felt telemedicine had improved patient care. There was a significant (paired t test;p<0.05) reduction in working hours since the pandemic began (8.45+/-2.15 hours) when compared to pre-pandemic time (13.55+/-2.03 hours). Hands-on surgical training was significantly affected. MBI was modified for the sake of simplicity. The average score before pandemic was 13.78+/-2.56, and after the pandemic, it was reduced to 7.63+/-2.35, showing a statistically significant reduction in burnout among residents (p<0.001). Conclusion(s) Surgical trainees played a significant role in taking care of many COVID-19 patients at the cost of their training. The decrease in working hours due to the pandemic has provided more time for research work and reduction in burnout. Copyright © 2021, Dr Yashwant Research Labs Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved.