Perception of training and job perspectives among final-year residents in the specialty of Endocrinology and Nutrition

Abstract

Introduction: The medical specialisation model in Spain is carried out in the context of specialised health training, through the residency programme. The aim of the study is to analyse, by an anonymous survey, the opinion on three aspects among final-year residents in Endocrinology and Nutrition (E&N): self-assessment of the knowledge acquired, working prospects, care and training consequences arising from the pandemic COVID-19.

Materials and methods: Cross-sectional observational study using a voluntary and anonymous online survey, shared among final-year national interns in the last year of the E&N programme, carried out between June-July 2021.

Results: 51 responses were obtained, 66% of the fourth-year residents. Overall perception of their knowledge was 7.8 out of 10. Most external rotations were in thyroid and nutrition areas. A total of 96.1% residents, carried out some activity associated with COVID-19, with a training deterioration of 6.9 out of 10. 88.2% cancelled their rotations and 74.5% extended their working schedule. The average negative emotional impact was 7.3 out of 10. 80.4% would like to continue in their training hospital, remaining 45.1%. 56.7% have an employment contract of less than 6 months, most of them practising Endocrinology.

Conclusion: The perception of the knowledge acquired during the training period is a "B". Residents consider that the pandemic has led to a worsening of their training, generating a negative emotional impact. Employment outlook after completing the residency can be summarised as: temporality, practice of Endocrinology and interhospital mobility.

Keywords: COVID-19; Educación médica; Endocrinology and Nutrition; Endocrinología y Nutrición; Formación sanitaria especializada; Medical Specialised Training; Medical education; Medical residents; Médico interno residente.