Background: Shielding during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted postgraduate medical training, likely affecting between 7% and 14% of trainees. We examine the burden of shielding on this cohort and provide strategies for future working practices.
Methods: Seventeen postgraduate doctors in training took part in non-incentivised, virtual focus groups or interviews. Focus group content underwent thematic analysis. Results were validated in subsequent focused interviews.
Results: Shielding trainees reported guilt, limited support and occasionally stigmatisation. Rotational changes and returning to work were also difficult and led to contractual challenges. Departmental support, IT provision and proactivity were key to successful shielding. Early discussion with training bodies was deemed essential to plan objective onward progression.
Conclusion: As we enter an era of endemic COVID-19, adjusted working practices will continue. Embedding successful working practices for shielding at national and local levels will minimise the long-term impact on postgraduate medical training.
Keywords: pandemic; postgraduate training; shielding.
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