Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Outcome of Training for Surgical Residents in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Several health-care measures were taken during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that may affect surgical residents' exposure and training. Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess and measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical residents' education and their burnout level during that time. Materials and Methods: A cross-section questionnaire-based study was conducted among 417 residents in various surgical specialties in Saudi Arabia from April 2021 to July 2021. Results: A total of 135 residents (32.4%) were level 1, and 112 residents (26.9%) were level 2. During the pandemic, 41% of the residents reported that the number of educational didactics was lower than before, and 24.9% indicated more didactics now. The proportion of residents who attended clinics and surgical cases was higher before the pandemic compared to during the pandemic. However, 36.2% of the residents were concerned that the changes in surgical training during the pandemic could lead to unpreparedness for the next career step. In addition, most of the residents were more burnout during the pandemic compared to before. Conclusion: Surgical residents were concerned that they might be less competent in their specialty due to a reduction in educational didactics during the pandemic. In addition, a higher level of burnout and stress was observed in the majority of residents.