Covid-۱۹ pandemic impact on the education and wellness of emergency medicine residents

Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-۹۱) pandemic has negatively influenced several aspects of medical education (ME).Objectives We aimed to assess the perception of emergency medicine (EM) residents about COVID-۹۱ impacts on the quality of ME and their wellness.Methods A questionnaire consisting of ۳۳ questions (۵ about hospital experience, ۵ about clinical experience, ۹۱ about education and ۹۹ about wellness) and ۹ open-ended question, was designed based on the elements found in the existing literature. Face and content validity were determined by an expert panel. The baseline and demographic data were recorded and the viewpoints of EM residents about different items in the questionnaire (ME and wellness) were evaluated.Results The mean age of residents was ۳.۶±۴.۶۳ and the most .±۶۴۶ and .۹۶۴۶ being females and married respectively. Most residents (۴۹۶.۶) had a previous history of COVID-۹۱ infection (mainly mild and outpatient). Most residents (۱۱۶۹۶) had concerns about transmitting the virus to their families. Most residents agreed on the negative impacts of COVID-۹۱ on EM residency program and routine clinical care in hospitals. COVID-۹۱ led to a decrease in other diseases diversity and bed-side learning opportunities. They added that virtual learning and online programs were comfortable and flexible despite some unpleasant outcomes. EM residents experienced anxiety and stress due to the change in physical and social activities and sleep habits during the COVID-۹۱ pandemic.Conclusions EM residents declared that COVID-۹۱ pandemic had negative effects on their ME. They exposed to greater anxiety and worriedness during the pandemic.

Keywords:

COVID-۱۹ , Medical education , Wellness , Emergency medicine