An unexpected transition to virtual care: family medicine residents’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background The global COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid changes in both medical care and medical education, particularly involving the rapid substitution of virtual solutions for traditional face-to-face appointments. There is a need for research into the effects and impacts of such changes. The objective of this article investigates the perspectives of Family Medicine Residents in one university program in order to understand the impact of this transition to virtual care and learning. Methods This is a qualitative focus group study. Four focus groups, stratified by site type (Rural = 1; Semi-Urban = 1; Urban = 2) were conducted, with a total of 25 participants. Participants were either first or second-year Residents in Family Medicine. Focus group recordings were analyzed thematically, based upon a five-level socio-ecological model (individual, family, organization, community, environment and policy context). Results Two main themes were identified: (1) Residents’ experiences of Virtual Learning and Virtual Care, and (2) Living and Learning in Pandemic Times. In the first theme, Residents reported challenges both individually, in their family context, and in their training organizations. Of particular concern was the loss of hands-on experience with clinical skills such as conducting physical examinations. In the second theme, Residents reported disruption of self-care routines and family life. These Residents were unable to engage in the relationships outside of the workplace with their preceptors and peers which they had expected, and which play key roles in social support as well as in future decisions about practice location. Conclusions While many patients appreciated virtual care, in the eyes of these Residents it is not the ideal modality for learning the practice of Family Medicine, and they awaited a return to normal times. Despite this, the pandemic has pointed out important ways in which residency training needs to adapt to an evolving world.

Bowel Management Protocol

“…The aforementioned strategies established consistent connections and may have facilitated in the development of trust to participate in the project. Several studies demonstrated that a combination of face-to-face and virtual collaboration had improved engagement in care transitions (Smith et al, 2022; Vergara et al, 2018; Vergara et al, 2021). The bowel regimen protocol made it easier for health care providers to initiate the orders.…”

Three years versus four years Saudi Board Family Medicine program: Graduates' academic performance, perceptions, burnout, and satisfaction with professional life

“…These findings are consistent with previous research that has identified the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical education, including residency training. [ 19 , 20 ] Globally, family medicine residents reported a decrease in clinical exposure, procedural training, and overall educational experience during the pandemic. [ 19 , 20 ] A possible impact of COVID-19 on the performance of the family medicine residents is also reflected by their final results displayed on the SCHS website.…”

“…[ 19 , 20 ] Globally, family medicine residents reported a decrease in clinical exposure, procedural training, and overall educational experience during the pandemic. [ 19 , 20 ] A possible impact of COVID-19 on the performance of the family medicine residents is also reflected by their final results displayed on the SCHS website. A decline in the pass percentage can be noticed in both the clinical and written exam results.…”

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rates and predictors of missed hospital appointments in multiple outpatient clinics of The Royal Hospital, Sultanate of Oman: a retrospective study

“…Also, there was no preliminary planning for the introduction of such a service, and patients might not have received the proper instructions. According to other published research, the virtual clinic operation caused confusion and resulted in a high proportion of patients missing their virtual appointments [ 60 , 61 ]. There may a number of other reasons patients missed their hospital call.…”