COVID-19 and orthopedic surgery education: experience from Algeria

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Algerian orthopedic surgery residency programs. Medical education has been negatively impacted. From an educational standpoint, teaching conferences for residents have been suspended. Grand rounds and in-person meetings have also been cancelled to comply with social distancing recommendations. In addition, most orthopaedic departments reduced the number of days per week worked by each resident and the number of residents in the hospital at any one time. Adapted measures must be taken to face this unprecedented challenge and ensure the continuity of training for our residents. The new technology solutions such as webinars should be integrated to the residents’ academic programs. Finally, maintaining resident wellbeing is an important factor to consider.

Orthopedic Residents’ Perception of a Hybrid Hand Surgery Rotation during the COVID-19 Pandemic at the Philippine General Hospital: A Qualitative and Quantitative Study

“…8,9 The trainees' well-being and education were prioritized by almost all programs. 10,11 Due to financial and logistical concerns, some programs had difficulty providing their residents with ideal protection, and their clinical work became more difficult. 12 Adjustments made to the residents' training included the emphasis on self-study and shifting to web-based learning.…”

“…12 Adjustments made to the residents' training included the emphasis on self-study and shifting to web-based learning. [9][10][11][12] A common concern amongst trainees in various surgical specialties was having a sufficient caseload to both assure the development of skills as well as to meet the minimum case requirements. 13,14 To allow the trainees to continue acquiring necessary skills, a "virtual" boot camp that was developed based on validated training modules and which followed guidelines set by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons was developed and implemented.…”

The Effects of COVID-19 on Orthopaedic Surgery Training Programs in the United States

“… 2 While there is an established body of literature detailing specific effects of COVID-19 on surgical residency programs, a majority of it examines other countries such as India, Algeria, and Pakistan, or focuses on general surgery residents. 1 , 3 - 5 …”

“…2 While there is an established body of literature detailing specific effects of COVID-19 on surgical residency programs, a majority of it examines other countries such as India, Algeria, and Pakistan, or focuses on general surgery residents. 1,[3][4][5] Orthopaedic residency programs have continued to grow in popularity, particularly in the last decade. National Residency Match Program data have demonstrated increases in both applications and admissions to US medical school orthopaedic surgery residency programs.…”