Overview of the Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Residency Training in Surgery and Related Specialties in North-Central Nigeria

Background: The complete lockdown in Nigeria earlier this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted surgical care and training in all ramifications as mostly, only emergency cases were seen besides COVID-19 patients. After the lockdown, and gradual introduction of out-patient and elective surgical care and other medical services, measures to prevent transmission of the virus in our daily surgical practice as well as the introduction of virtual meetings and training are some of the new normal that will remain even after the pandemic. Aim: The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residency training in surgical specialties in Northcentral Nigeria. Methodology: The objective was achieved using an online questionnaire distributed to residency training tertiary centres in Northcentral Nigeria. Results: We found that various aspects of training were affected differently by the pandemic, with novel strategies adopted to minimize the impact. Conclusion: We conclude that although there was a reduction in core activities of surgical training, there were strategies in place to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic by streamlining care to protect the surgical community, whilst adopting new methods to sustain learning. There is need to incorporate these new methods into mainstream surgical training in the sub-region even after this pandemic.

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O9 The Effects of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on operative and work-based assessment (WBA) activity on surgical training

BJS Open ◽

10.1093/bjsopen/zrab033.008 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

◽

Joshua Clements

Keyword(s):

Surgical Training ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Training Programme ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Data Governance ◽

Training Activity ◽

Surgical Trainees ◽

Percentage Difference ◽

The Impact ◽

And Training

Abstract Background COVID-19 has had a global impact on all aspects of healthcare including surgical teaching and training. The COVID-STAR qualitative study demonstrated a perceived negative impact of COVID-19 on numerous aspects of surgical training across all specialties and training grades. The aim of this study is to investigate how COVID-19 has affected operative case exposure and work-based assessments for surgeons in training. Methods Anonymized data has been sought from the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) database for operations and work-based assessments in each specialty, involving surgical trainees on an approved training programme at defined Pre-COVID (16/03/19 – 11/05/19) and COVID (16/03/2020 – 11/05/20) timepoints. Primary outcome measures are the percentage (%) difference in WBA and operative activity between time points respectively. Differences in training activity between time periods will be tested using Pearson χ2 and Kruskal–Wallis tests for categorical and continuous variables respectively. Results This study has been approved by the ISCP Data Analysis, Audit and Research Group, and data will be managed in accordance with ISCP data governance. The hypothesis of this study is that COVID-19 has caused a reduction in the operative and WBA activity of trainees across all specialties. Conclusion This study seeks to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on operative training activity and completion of WBAs in clinical practice. This information will inform major stakeholders involved in optimising surgical training in the COVID-19 recovery phase.

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P38 COVID-19 impact on Surgical Training And Recovery Planning (COVID-STAR) Survey

BJS Open ◽

10.1093/bjsopen/zrab032.037 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

◽

Joshua Clements

Keyword(s):

Surgical Training ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Healthcare Delivery ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Surgical Trainee ◽

Surgical Specialty ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Training Time ◽

Surgical Trainees ◽

And Training

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in dynamic changes to healthcare delivery. Surgery as a specialty has been significantly affected and with that the delivery of surgical training. Method This national, collaborative, cross sectional study comprising 13 surgical trainee associations distributed a pan surgical specialty survey on the COVID-19 impact on surgical training over a 4-week period (11th May - 8th June 2020). The survey was voluntary and open to medical students and surgical trainees of all specialties and training grades. All aspects of training were qualitatively assessed. This study was reported according to STROBE guidelines. Results 810 completed responses were analysed. (M401: F 390) with representation from all deaneries and training grades. 41% of respondents (n = 301) were redeployed with 74% (n = 223) redeployed > 4 weeks. Complete loss of training was reported in elective operating (69.5% n = 474), outpatient activity (67.3%, n = 457), Elective endoscopy (69.5% n = 246) with > 50% reduction in training time reported in emergency operating (48%, n = 326) and completion of work-based assessments (WBA) (46%, n = 309). 81% (n = 551) reported course cancellations and departmental and regional teaching programmes were cancelled without rescheduling in 58% and 60% of cases respectively. A perceived lack of Elective operative exposure and completions of WBA’s were the primary reported factor affecting potential training progression. Overall, > 50% of trainees (n = 377) felt they would not meet the competencies required for that training period. Conclusion This study has demonstrated a perceived negative impact on numerous aspects of surgical training affecting all training specialties and grades.

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The Impact of COVID-19 on Surgical Training: the Past, the Present and the Future

Indian Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1007/s12262-021-02964-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Marina Yiasemidou

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Surgical Training ◽

New Technologies ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Elective Surgery ◽

Control Measures ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Surgical Services ◽

The World ◽

The Impact

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic and infection control measures had an unavoidable impact on surgical services. During the first wave of the pandemic, elective surgery, endoscopy, and ‘face-to-face’ clinics were discontinued after recommendations from professional bodies. In addition, training courses, examinations, conferences, and training rotations were postponed or cancelled. Inadvertently, infection control and prevention measures, both within and outside hospitals, have caused a significant negative impact on training. At the same time, they have given space to new technologies, like telemedicine and platforms for webinars, to blossom. While the recovery phase is well underway in some parts of the world, most surgical services are not operating at full capacity. Unfortunately, some countries are still battling a second or third wave of the pandemic with severely negative consequences on surgical services. Several studies have looked into the impact of COVID-19 on surgical training. Here, an objective overview of studies from different parts of the world is presented. Also, evidence-based solutions are suggested for future surgical training interventions.

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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Head and Neck Surgery Training: A Brazilian National Survey

International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1730019 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Kober Leite ◽

Leandro Luongo Matos ◽

Claudio R. Cernea ◽

Luiz Paulo Kowalski

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck ◽

Surgical Training ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Neck Surgery ◽

Head And Neck Surgery ◽

Educational Activities ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Surgery Training ◽

The Impact

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had a high impact on surgical training around the world due to required measures regarding the suspension of elective procedures and the dismissal of nonessential personnel. Objectives To understand the impact the pandemic had on head and neck surgery training in Brazil. Methods We conducted a 29-question online survey with head and neck surgery residents in Brazil, assessing the impact the pandemic had on their training. Results Forty-six residents responded to the survey, and 91.3% of them reported that their residency was affected by the pandemic, but most residents were not assigned to work directly with patients infected with the new coronavirus (71.4%). All residents reported decrease in clinic visits and in surgical procedures, mostly an important reduction of ∼ 75%. A total of 56.5% of the residents described that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental, health and only 4 (8.7%) do not have any symptoms of burnout. The majority (78.3%) of the residents reported that educational activities were successfully adapted to online platforms, and 37% were personally infected with the virus. Conclusion Most surgical residencies were greatly affected by the pandemic, and residents had an important decrease in surgical training. Educational activities were successfully adapted to online modalities, but the residency programs should search for ways of trying to compensate for the loss of practical activities.

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Who is watching over me? - Was the public’s perception of the anaesthetist changed by National Anaesthesia Day?

Journal of The Royal Naval Medical Service ◽

10.1136/jrnms-86-134 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 86 (3) ◽

pp. 134-141

Author(s):

S J Tanser ◽

D J Birt

Keyword(s):

Public Education ◽

Public Information ◽

Local Information ◽

White Coat ◽

Information Campaign ◽

The Public ◽

New Methods ◽

Local Impact ◽

The Impact ◽

And Training

AbstractThe aim of National Anaesthesia Day on 25 May 2000 was to inform the public about the role and training of anaesthetists. We carried out two surveys of patients attending Derriford Hospital, Plymouth to assess the local impact of National Anaesthesia Day and to assess the public’s expectation of the preoperative visit. The first survey was held one month prior to National Anaesthesia Day and was completed by 93 patients. The second survey was held immediately following National Anaesthesia Day and was completed by 70 patients. Thirty five percent of the patients surveyed were unaware that anaesthetists were medically qualified. This result was not altered by National Anaesthesia Day despite a local information campaign. Moreover, knowledge about our role and training was only marginally improved from 1978. The majority of patients expected to see their anaesthetist preoperatively for less than 10 minutes and would not be concerned if they had not been seen one hour before surgery. Style of clothing was unimportant; few preferred a white coat but name badges were desirable. We conclude that the level of ignorance about our profession has not changed since 1978 and the impact of National Anaesthesia Day was not significant. This may be as a result of the anaesthetist’s portrayal on television, which is known to be an important source of public information on other areas of medicine. If these statistics are to change in the next 22 years new methods of public education need to be found.

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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on core surgical training

Scottish Medical Journal ◽

10.1177/0036933020949217 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 65 (4) ◽

pp. 133-137 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Khurram Shahzad Khan ◽

Rona Keay ◽

Morag McLellan ◽

Sajid Mahmud

Keyword(s):

Surgical Training ◽

Teaching Hospital ◽

General Surgery ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Outpatient Clinics ◽

Box Trainer ◽

Surgical Trainees ◽

Long Term Impact ◽

The Impact

Background and aims COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption in training which is even more pronounced in the surgical specialties. We aim to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on core surgical training. Methods All core surgical and improving surgical trainees in West of Scotland region were invited to participate in an online voluntary anonymous survey via SurveyMonkey. Results 28 of 44 (63.6%) trainees responded, 15 (53.6%) were CT1/ST1. 14 (50.0%) working in teaching hospital and 15 (53.6%) working in general surgery. 20 (71.4%) felt that due to the pandemic they have less opportunity to operate as the primary surgeon. 21 (75.0%) have not attended any outpatient clinics. 8 (28.6%) did not have any form of access to the laparoscopic box-trainer. 20 (71.4%) felt their level of confidence in preforming surgical skills has been negatively impacted. 18 (64.3%) found it difficult to demonstrate progress in portfolio. 21 (75.0%) trainees have not attended any teaching. 10 (35.7%) trainees have been off-sick. 8 (28.6%) trainees have felt slightly or significantly more stressed. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic has an unprecedented negative impact on all aspects of core surgical training. The long term impact on the current cohort of trainees is yet to be seen.

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European Surgical Education and Training in Gynecologic Oncology: The impact of an Accredited Fellowship

International Journal of Gynecological Cancer ◽

10.1097/igc.0000000000000942 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 819-825 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Luis M. Chiva ◽

Jose Mínguez ◽

Denis Querleu ◽

David Cibula ◽

Andreas du Bois

Keyword(s):

Surgical Training ◽

Surgical Education ◽

Gynecologic Oncology ◽

Target Population ◽

Education And Training ◽

Postoperative Management ◽

Management Of Complications ◽

Urinary Reconstruction ◽

The Impact ◽

And Training

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to understand the current situation of surgical education and training in Europe among members of the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO) and its impact on the daily surgical practice of those that have completed an accredited fellowship in gynecologic oncology.MethodsA questionnaire addressing topics of interest in surgical training was designed and sent to ESGO members with surgical experience in gynecologic oncology. The survey was completely confidentially and could be completed in less than 5 minutes. Responses from 349 members from 42 European countries were obtained, which was 38% of the potential target population. The respondents were divided into 2 groups depending on whether they had undergone an official accreditation process.ResultsTwo thirds of respondents said they had received a good surgical education. However, accredited gynecologists felt that global surgical training was significantly better. Surgical self-confidence among accredited specialists was significantly higher regarding most surgical oncological procedures than it was among their peers without such accreditation. However, the rate of self-assurance in ultraradical operations, and bowel and urinary reconstruction was quite low in both groups. There was a general request for standardizing surgical education across the ESGO area. Respondents demanded further training in laparoscopy, ultraradical procedures, bowel and urinary reconstruction, and postoperative management of complications. Furthermore, they requested the creation of fellowship programs in places where they are not now accredited and the promotion of rotations and exchange in centers of excellence. Finally, respondents want supporting training in disadvantaged countries of the ESGO area.ConclusionsSpecialists in gynecologic oncology that have obtained a formal accreditation received a significantly better surgical education than those that have not. The ESGO responders recognize that their society should lead the standardization of surgical training and promote ways of improving members’ surgical skills.

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Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Psychological Status of Palestinian Adults in the West Bank, Palestine; A Cross-Sectional Study

The Open Psychology Journal ◽

10.2174/1874350102114010227 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 227-237

Author(s):

Imad T. Asmar ◽

Hani Naseef ◽

Nimeh Al-Shami ◽

Maram K. Jaghama ◽

Abdallah D. Abukhalil ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Negative Impact ◽

West Bank ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Psychological Status ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

The West ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapid manifestation and spread have disrupted world norms and affected people's daily activities and life. Many ministries chose mass lockdown protocol as a way to control the virus spread. Though this protocol has shown to be effective in limiting the Virus transmission, it might have a negative impact on the population's psychological status, such as boredom, confusion, psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and physical effects. Objective: This study aimed to find the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Palestinian adults' psychological status by assessing the participant's practices, reports of anxiety and depression during the pandemics Methods: An observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Palestinian adults in the West Bank, at the occupied Palestinian territories, between July and September 2020. The questionnaire was structured into two domains: the first domain includes nine questions about sociodemographic data. The second consisted of 33 (yes and no) questions evaluating the participant's psychological status. Results: 739 participants with a mean age of 31.76, filled the online questionnaire. Around one-third of respondents revealed having many signs of anxiety, and around 42% of respondents expressed having many signs of depression. Females were significantly more likely to have signs of depression, whereas front-line COVID-19 health care workers were significantly the least likely to have signs of depression and no signs of depression were found among participants with high incomes. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has a negative effect on mental status; most participants have signs of anxiety and depression.

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Residency training amid the COVID-19 pandemic: exploring the impact on mental health and training, a lesson from Iran

BMC Medical Education ◽

10.1186/s12909-021-03029-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ashraf Moini ◽

Khadije Maajani ◽

Ramesh Omranipour ◽

Mohamad-Reza Zafarghandi ◽

Ashraf Aleyasin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Residency Training ◽

General Surgery ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Care Delivery ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multiple Choice Questions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Questions And Answers ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background COVID-19 has affected the training programs and the clinical schedules of surgical wards in many countries, including Iran. Also, the continuous involvement with COVID-19 patients has caused stress in health care workers; among them, residents are on the frontlines of care delivery. Therefore, we designed a study to assess the mental effects of these circumstances, and the effects on General Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynecology residency training in the busiest surgical departments of our university. Methods Participants of this cross-sectional study were residents of General Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynecology of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and the conventional sampling method was used. We used a questionnaire consisting of 47 questions (mostly using multiple choice questions and answers on the Likert scale) about personal, familial, and demographic characteristics; training activities, and mental effects of COVID-19. Results The response rate was 63.5%. (127 filled questionnaires). Around 96% of the residents had emotional problems, 85.9% were highly stressed about contracting COVID-19, 81.3% were worried about transferring it to their families; and 78% believed that their residency training had been impaired. Conclusion Overall, our study shows the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health and the training of residents. We propose that appropriate emotional support and suitable planning for compensation of training deficits is provided for residents.

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Assessing the Impact of Operational Flaws on the Performance of Microfinance Institutions in Ghana

International Finance and Banking ◽

10.5296/ifb.v7i1.15753 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 37

Author(s):

Adjei Gyamfi Gyimah ◽

Annette Serwaa Agyeman ◽

Solomon Adu-Asare

Keyword(s):

Risk Management ◽

Credit Risk ◽

Interest Rates ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Microfinance Institutions ◽

Credit Risk Management ◽

Overall Performance ◽

The Impact ◽

And Training ◽

Regulatory Challenges

Microfinance institutions contribute significantly to the development of a country, and many of these institutions are found in most developing countries including Ghana. However, many challenges have been alleged to stifle the efforts of microfinance companies in their attempt to make their all-important contribution to the development of nations. This study explored the effect of operational flaws on the performance of microfinance institutions in Ghana. The results discovered flaws and challenges associated with the operations of the MFIs in many areas including corporate governance, credit risk management, credit administration, regulatory challenges, and training programs. The study also revealed that such flaws and challenges do harm the overall performance of the MFIs. Based on the findings, it is recommended that MFIs put in place a well-composed and resourceful credit committee to perform the duty of credit risk management in the institutions. The institutions could also reduce their interest rates to encourage their clients to apply for more loans. Lastly, it is recommended that the MFIs take all necessary steps to ensure that they reduce the flaws and challenges they face to mitigate the negative impact of such deficiencies on their performance.

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