Psychological impact of COVID-19 on Canadian surgical residents

ABSTRACT

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected health care workers in unprecedented ways. Surgical residents at baseline have higher prevalence of burnout and depression, and now face unique challenges related to the pandemic. This study sought to evaluate the psychological impact of COVID-19 on surgical residents. Methods: An online survey was distributed to surgical residents between June 2020 and January 2021. It covered multiple domains demographics, socioeconomic factors, clinical experience, educational experience, and psychological outcomes. The Mayo Clinic Resident Well-Being Index (RWBI) was used as a validated measure of resident mental health. Analysis was done with logistic regression. Results: A total of 31 residents responded to the survey, corresponding to a 36.0% response rate. Respondents were from general surgery (n = 21), orthopedic surgery (n = 5), otolaryngology (n = 2), urology (n = 2) and vascular surgery (n = 1) training programs. Seventeen (54.8%) respondents were female, 24 (77.4%) were senior residents and 21 (67.7%) were in a relationship. Residents were concerned about infecting family members (71.0%) and about personal protective equipment (PPE) supply (54.8%). Most residents (64.5%) were satisfied or very satisfied with their operative experience, but only 41.9% were happy with educational activities. Despite measures that were put in place to support the wellness of residents, 57.1% reported feeling burnt out and 46.4% depressed. Residents who were concerned about PPE supply were found to have 6.67 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-35.71, p = 0.027) times the odds of depression than those who were not. The median RWBI was 2.5, slightly higher than the United States National Resident Survey median of 2. There were 10.7% of residents who had an at-risk score of 5 or more, compared with the US National 20.25%. Conclusion: The pandemic had a considerable impact on the psychological well-being of surgical residents. Continued investigation into mental health risk and protective factors is needed to improve future response of residency programs to unexpected stressors.