Polish ophthalmology residents’ perspectives from the battlefield in the time of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: an online survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND:The aim of the study was to collect the opinions of ophthalmology residents on the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on their working conditions, well-being, and specialisation training. MATERIAL AND METHODS:We created an anonymous online survey with 41 closed and multiple-choice questions dedicated to Polish ophthalmology residents. The primary outcome measure was the degree of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the implementation of the specialisation program in the field of ophthalmology, the acquirement of practical skills in ophthalmology, and the well-being of residents. RESULTS: Sixty-six percent of respondents felt constant anxiety related to the pandemic, and 38% of residents constantly felt sad and depressed. Residents who worked with patients with COVID-19 expressed higher levels of anxiety at work than residents who did not work with such patients (5-point Likert scale score: 3.10 ± 1.16 vs. 2.64 ± 1.27, respectively; p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Support from peers, seniors, faculties, and professional counsellors can be encouraging for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and may be supportive for residents' well-being. In addition, the results accentuate the need to prepare appropriate psychological interventions to improve the residents' mental health in the event of a similar situation in the future.