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J Med Educ Curric Dev · Jan 2020
Effect of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic on Pediatric Resident Well-Being.
- Pooja B Sanghavi, Au YeungKarlaKDepartment of Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare, Madera, CA, USA.School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA., Carmela E Sosa, Angela F Veesenmeyer, J... more
- Department of Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare, Madera, CA, USA.
- J Med Educ Curric Dev. 2020 Jan 1; 7: 2382120520947062.
ObjectivesThis study aims to identify factors specific to the COVID-19 pandemic that affect resident physicians' well-being, identify potential sources of anxiety, and assess for depression and stress among residents.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was performed in April 2020 that evaluated resident perceptions about COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on their personal lifestyle, and coping mechanisms adopted. The respondents also completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10).ResultsOf 37 residents, 29 completed the survey for a response rate of 78%. We found that 50% of residents harbored increased anxiety due to the pandemic and reported fears of spreading disease. Factors that negatively impacted their well-being included social isolation from colleagues (78%), inability to engage in outdoor activities (82%), and social gatherings (86%). Residents expressed concern about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on their didactic education and clinical rotations. The mean PSS-10 total score was 17 (SD = 4.96, range = 0-33) and the mean BDI-II total score was 6.79 (SD = 6.00). Our residents adopted a number of coping mechanisms in response to COVID-19.ConclusionsWe identified factors specific to the COVID-19 pandemic that adversely affected resident physician well-being. Trainees were concerned about the risk of developing COVID-19 and spreading this to their family. Residents also harbored anxiety regarding the effect of COVID-19 on their education. Lifestyle changes including social isolation also resulted in a negative effect on resident well-being. Developing strategies and resources directed to addressing these concerns may help support well-being and alleviate stress and anxiety.© The Author(s) 2020.
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