Coping with the residency program during COVID-19: Hematology oncology pharmacy residents’ perspective

Abstract

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in all governmental activities in Saudi Arabia including training and teaching, with the majority of such activities suspended in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to share the challenges that Hematology Oncology Pharmacy (HOP) residents faced during the quarantine period and provide recommendations on how to cope with the residency journey. Method We followed a qualitative methodological approach in March 2020 using a structured virtual group discussion for data generation. Results All six PGY2 hematology oncology pharmacy (HOP) residents were included in the group discussion. The group agreed that the need for HOP services during this pandemic is beyond the scope of oncology pharmacists’ normal daily practice. The group recognized two fundamental points. First, the goal of the current training should be customized to the most pressing need and recognized at the national level. Second, the current training system should be improved to ensure efficient use of current resources. On this basis, the group developed six main recommendations for action. Conclusion The current situation is a challenge for all healthcare providers, and the majority of the nation’s current generation never dealt with such a situation in days gone by. This paper presents the challenges that should be addressed at the national level and provide a fundamental consensus recommendation for practical approaches to maximize learning and minimize disruption to trainees’ progression while maintaining patient-pharmacy quality of care.