[How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the training of Endocrinology and Nutrition Residents. Results of a survey by the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition]

Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr. 2022 Mar;69(3):219-226. doi: 10.1016/j.endinu.2021.05.005. Epub 2021 Jun 15.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract
in English, Spanish

Introduction: COVID-19 disease has become a priority for our healthcare system. The resident physicians training in endocrinology and nutrition (E&N residents) have been integrated into the COVID-19 teams. This study has been designed with the aim of analysing the educational, occupational and health impact on E&N residents.

Material and methods: Cross-sectional observational study via a web survey, aimed at E&N residents who are members of the SEEN, carried out in November 2020. The following data were analysed: demographic variables, number of beds in the training hospital, alteration of rotations, integration in COVID-19 teams, participation in telemedicine, scientific activity and impact on physical and emotional health.

Results: 87 responses were obtained (27% of all E&N residents), 67.8% women, 28.1 ± 1.8 years, 60% 4th year E&N residents. 84% participated in COVID-19 teams and 93% in the telemedicine consultations of their service. Most have had their rotations interrupted. 97.7% have participated in scientific meetings or virtual congresses and a third of them have collaborated in scientific work on COVID-19 in relation to endocrinology and nutrition. Overall, 75.8% think the pandemic has affected their mood a lot or quite a lot, and 73.8% think that the pandemic has negatively impacted their training.

Conclusions: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has compromised the training, work activity and health of E&N residents. They have been integrated both in COVID-19 teams and in the restructured activity of their departments. However, they have managed to continue their training in virtual format and have participated in scientific work.

Introducción: La enfermedad COVID-19 se ha convertido en una prioridad para nuestro sistema sanitario. Los MIR de Endocrinología y Nutrición (MIR-EyN) se han integrado en los equipos COVID-19. Se ha diseñado este estudio con el objetivo de analizar el impacto a nivel formativo, laboral y en la salud de los MIR-EyN.

Material y métodos: Estudio observacional transversal tipo encuesta vía web, dirigida a los MIR-EyN socios de la SEEN, realizado en noviembre de 2020. Se han analizado: variables demográficas, tamaño del hospital de formación en número de camas, alteración de las rotaciones, integración en equipos COVID-19, participación en teleconsulta, actividad científica e impacto sobre la salud física y emocional.

Resultados: Se han obtenido 87 respuestas (27% de los MIR-EyN); 67,8% mujeres, edad media 28,1 ± 1,8 años, 60% MIR-EyN 4.o año. El 84% ha participado en equipos COVID-19 y el 93% en las consultas telemáticas de su servicio. La mayoría ha visto interrumpidas sus rotaciones. El 97,7% ha participado en reuniones científicas o congresos virtuales y un tercio de ellos ha colaborado en trabajos científicos sobre la COVID-19 en relación con la Endocrinología y Nutrición. La pandemia ha afectado a su estado de ánimo mucho o bastante (75,8%) y opinan que ha impactado de forma negativa a su formación (73,8%).

Conclusiones: La pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 ha comprometido la formación, la actividad laboral y la salud de los MIR-EyN. Se han integrado tanto en equipos COVID-19 como en la actividad reestructurada de sus servicios. Sin embargo, han conseguido mantener la formación en formato virtual y participado en trabajos científicos.

Keywords: COVID-19; Medical training; Resident physician.

Publication types

  • English Abstract