“Play How We Practice”: A Residency Program's Snapshot of Pediatric Resident Perspectives on Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

OBJECTIVES Our objective was to understand the perspectives of current and recently graduated pediatric residents concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent curriculum changes, to their education. INTRODUCTION Residency programs have experienced unprecedented alterations to education in the form of changing expectations, schedules, and opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known regarding resident perceptions of how these changes impact their education and ultimate career preparation. METHODS An anonymous and voluntary electronic IRB exempt survey was sent to pediatric residents at a mid-sized residency program in the mid-Atlantic in August of 2020. This cross-sectional study survey consisted of a series of multiple choice questions with optional short answer responses. RESULTS Twenty-two pediatric residents across all training years completed the survey for a response rate of 36%. The majority of residents, 59.1%, were interested in directly caring for COVID + patients; however, the minority (36%) felt prepared to care for COVID + patients. Most residents (63%) responded that graduate medical education programs should not have authority to exclude residents from taking care of patients with certain diagnoses and 95% of respondents indicated that they would prefer an opt out system instead. CONCLUSION The majority of resident respondents had a strong interest in caring for COVID + patients and report that they value frequent updates from program leadership to guide their patient care. Residents also overwhelmingly support an opt out system when caring for future patients with particular infectious diagnoses rather than a mandated exclusion approach.