COVID-19 Impact on Well-Being and Education in Radiology Residencies: A Survey of the Association of Program Directors in Radiology

Abstract

Rationale and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced rapid evolution of the healthcare environment. Efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus through social distancing and shelter-at-home edicts have unintended consequences upon clinical and educational missions and mental well-being of radiology departments. We sought to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiology residencies with respect to the educational mission and perceptions of impact on well-being.Materials and Methods: This study was IRB exempt. An anonymous 22 question survey regarding the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on educational and clinical missions of residencies, its perceived impact upon morale of radiologists and trainees and a query of innovative solutions devised in response, was emailed to the Association of Program Directors in Radiology membership. Survey data were collected using SurveyMonkey (San Mateo, California).Results: Respondents felt the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted their residency programs. Regarding the educational mission impact, 70.1% (75/107) report moderate/marked negative impact and 2.8% (3/107) that educational activities have ceased. Regarding the pandemic's impact on resident morale, 44.8% (48/107) perceive moderate/marked negative effect; perceived resident morale in programs with redeployment is significantly worse with 57.1% (12/21) reporting moderate/marked decrease. Respondents overwhelmingly report adequate resident access to mental health resources during the acute phase of the pandemic (88.8%, 95/107). Regarding morale of program directors, 61% (65/106) report either mild or marked decreased morale. Program innovations reported by program directors were catalogued and shared. Conclusion:The COVID-19 pandemic has markedly impacted the perceived well-being and educational missions of radiology residency programs across the United States.

Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Radiology Departments around the World: World Federation of Pediatric Imaging COVID-19 Task Force Survey Results from Six Continents

“…This result is in line with a recent survey of members of the Association of Program Directors in Radiology which found that 70% of respondents (75/107) felt that the educational mission in their radiology department was at least moderately negatively impacted by COVID-19 related changes. 42 Importantly, 31% of survey respondents (22/72) in our study indicated concern that COVID-19 related changes in resident education would impact the likelihood of current radiology trainees pursuing a career in pediatric radiology in their countries.…”

Radiology residency program management post-pandemic-peak: looking down the curve and around the bend

“…In Stage 4, ACGME common program requirements for well-being are paramount, going beyond ensuring adequate resident personal protective equipment to assuring mental health services are readily available to all residents and faculty. In a recent survey, Program Directors perceived significant negative impact of the pandemic on resident morale, and reported actual negative impact on their own morale [3]. Further negative impacts noted by the authors include additional challenges from limited or deferred vacation requests that ensued because of redeployment in Stage 3, as well as the need to offer compensatory increased case volumes to assure residents meet ACGME graduation requirements.…”

“…While clinical, educational, and well-being impacts in Stage 1-3 have been well-documented [3] T may be spread over multiple sites. Conceived as a solution to canceled appointments and delayed medical needs during the COVID-19 peak, work assignment changes to meet the post-peak rebound demand may include longer hours, off-setting work shifts, and expanded responsibilities.…”

“…Further negative impacts noted by the authors include additional challenges from limited or deferred vacation requests that ensued because of redeployment in Stage 3, as well as the need to offer compensatory increased case volumes to assure residents meet ACGME graduation requirements. Program Directors should closely monitor the morale of the residents through transparent frequent communications (virtual huddles) and utilize a variety of virtual residency activities such as workout challenges, game nights, and expanded mentorship programs as wellness initiatives [2,3]. Care must be taken to ensure that changes in staffing to meet changing clinical demands take in account preexisting pandemic-related diminished morale.…”

Undergraduate Radiology Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Teaching and Learning Strategies

“…46 A study on radiology resident well-being during the pandemic reported decreased morale, especially in programs with redeployment. 47 For residents already anxious about their own education, additional teaching responsibilities may contribute to burnout. In addition, both undergraduate and postgraduate learners may feel isolated during this time of predominantly virtual learning.…”