Anaesthetic training during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted anaesthetic services and the delivery of anaesthetic training across the UK and internationally [1, 2]. Trainee case-load is thought to have been reduced during the pandemic by factors including: redeployment to critical care; cancellation of elective surgery; staff self-isolation, quarantine and shielding; and absences due to sickness. We sought to quantify the effect of these changes on anaesthetic training by exploring logbook data recorded by trainees before and during the pandemic. We performed a retrospective analysis of data from Medberry Anaesthetic Logbook App (Medberry Ltd., London, UK), which we have used as a data source for previously published research [3]. After excluding data from non-UK users and non-trainee grade users, we included a total of 329,670 cases from 534 trainees (233 core trainees, 301 specialist trainees) logged in the UK from 11 March 2016 to 11 March 2021 for analysis.

Impact of Pandemic Response on Training Experience of Anesthesiology Residents in an Academic Medical Center: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…The initial impact of changes in case and procedural volumes on our program was primarily limited to the EP and R1 phases lasting a combined 10 weeks. The drop in case volume at UMMC and STC closely mirrored that reported in the US [ 28 ] and elsewhere [ 6 , 7 , 15 ]. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our anesthesiology residents varied between trainees depending on what rotations they were scheduled to complete during the most heavily impacted pandemic phases.…”

“…Trainees in anesthesiology and other specialties worldwide have been directly affected by common pandemic response measures and their sequelae. The potential consequences of the altered anesthesiology trainee experience have been reviewed [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. One common, early, worldwide response measure was the cessation of nonemergent surgical cases to preserve resources, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and acute care hospital beds.…”

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anaesthesia specialty training: a single-centre quantitative analysis

“…To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anaesthesia training in Ireland. In comparison, the only other quantitative study published to date examining anaesthesia training during the pandemic found a 35% reduction in trainee theatre caseload from a UK logbook analysis 9 . Training data from Irish surgical specialties during the pandemic has demonstrated caseload reductions of approximately 20%, similar to our own findings 10 .…”

‘Thrown in at the deep end’: a qualitative analysis into the transition from trainee to consultant during the COVID-19 pandemic and lessons for the future

“… 6 This resulted in fewer opportunities for solo lists, reduced caseload, and decreased case mix for trainees. 7 , 8 Staff sickness, self-isolation, and cancellation of fellowships further limited subspecialty training for senior trainees. 3 , 7 In addition, clinical guidelines rapidly evolved during the pandemic, demanding clinicians to frequently update their knowledge.…”

“… 7 , 8 Staff sickness, self-isolation, and cancellation of fellowships further limited subspecialty training for senior trainees. 3 , 7 In addition, clinical guidelines rapidly evolved during the pandemic, demanding clinicians to frequently update their knowledge. 9 COVID-19 also necessitated substantial changes in work pattern, the hospital landscape, resource allocation, and team structure.…”