Impact of COVID19 on resident physicians of a community hospital in New York city

Abstract

Introduction: Novel Corona Virus Disease 19 has created unforeseen burden on health care. New York city is one of the epicenters of pandemic and here we explore physical, mental and social impact of COVID 19 on Resident Physicians (RP) working within the center of this epicenter. Methods: This is a single-center cross-sectional web-based survey involving RP of a community hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Questionnaire was formulated in online platform. We used a convenient sampling method. Univariate analysis was conducted and presented the distribution of qualitative responses as frequency and percentages. Result: COVID19 related symptoms were reported by 39.8% RP. COVID19 IgG and IgM antibodies, both negative were reported by 34.9%, while only 6% RPs were IgG antibody positive. Symptomatic RP tested for COVID19-PCR was positive in 42.42%. Self-isolation from family during the pandemic was reported by only 14.5%. Financial constraints, lack of accommodation, and emotional reasons were main reasons of not being able to self isolate. Being bothered by 'Anxiety' and 'Nervousness' were reported by 8.5% on 'Almost every day' while 46.3% reported on 'several days in the two weeks duration'. 'Uncontrollable worrying', 'Feeling down', 'Depressed,' or 'Hopeless' was reported as 'Not at all' by 78.8% and 3.7% reported it to 'occur nearly every day for the last two weeks'. Conclusion: Aftermath of fight against pandemic has left RP with significant physical, mental, and social impact. Appropriate stress management and safety interventions are urgently needed. Further studies are needed to explore the detailed impact of COIV19 on RP.

A Prospective, Longitudinal Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 Exposure, Use of Protective Equipment and Social Distancing in a Group of Community Physicians

“…For example, several groups of physicians were tested for COVID-19 IgG studies from New York City, the epicenter of COVID-19 infections in the early portion of the pandemic. These included anesthesiologists, intensivists, surgeons, general practitioners, and resident physicians [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. Further studies to document COVID-19 exposure in healthcare providers using the measurement of IgG were performed worldwide, including Italy and the United Kingdom [ 41 , 42 ].…”

Unprecedented Training: Experience of Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Physically, many residents reported increased levels of exhaustion due to the rigors of residency coupled with long hours of wearing PPE. [41][42][43] Despite often desiring to selfisolate from partners and families to help reduce the risk of infectious spread after exposure to patients infected with COVID-19, many residents felt that they were unable to do so in light of financial constraints or the lack of accommodation. 42,44 Residents also expressed concern about their physical health due to the risk of infection, especially in times of exponential infection spread and PPE shortage.…”

“…[41][42][43] Despite often desiring to selfisolate from partners and families to help reduce the risk of infectious spread after exposure to patients infected with COVID-19, many residents felt that they were unable to do so in light of financial constraints or the lack of accommodation. 42,44 Residents also expressed concern about their physical health due to the risk of infection, especially in times of exponential infection spread and PPE shortage. 45 Psychologically, the COVID-19 pandemic led many resident physicians to experience increased levels of stress and depression.…”

Impact of COVID-19 on post graduate medical education and training

“…Female and unmarried trainees demonstrated higher rates of stress and depression, respectively [ 3 ]. In fact, over half of resident trainees in Brooklyn, New York expressed anxiety for at least several days over a two week period [ 4 ]. Despite decrease in operating room (OR) time, a survey of otolaryngologists during the COVID-19 pandemic found that nearly half reported anxiety, depression, distress and burnout, with a greater prevalence in residents (compared to attendings), females, and those in states with over 20,000 positive cases [ 5 ].…”