Residency training in the time of COVID-19: A framework for academic medical centers dealing with the pandemic

Abstract

Background As cases of COVID-19 climb worldwide, academic medical centers (AMCs) are scrambling to balance the increasing demand for medical services while maintaining safe learning environments. The scale and nature of the current pandemic, limitations on key resources, risks of transmission, and the impact on trainee wellbeing pose additional challenges to AMCs. We propose a framework for AMCs to utilize in facilitating health system, organization and program-level adjustments to meet the needs of medical trainees during the pandemic. Approach In February 2020, we developed a three-level approach to the pandemic response of training programs at our AMC. The first level involved AMC alignment and engagement with regulatory stakeholders. The second level utilized the graduate medical education committee and leveraged organizational functions such as human resources, finance, and clinical departments. The third level of intervention focused on common approaches used by programs to ensure continuity of learning in the context of dynamic changes in workflows and service operations. Evaluation Outcomes at each level are reported. These include the co-development of a national framework on medical trainee responses to COVID-19, the composition of an operational guidance document, organizational protocols to accommodate novel challenges posed by the pandemic, and multiple program-level interventions. Reflection This methodical approach, employed during a global crisis, was critical in facilitating interventions required to fulfill the mission of AMCs. Future steps include assessing the impact of these changes on trainee performance and the applicability of the approach in diverse settings.

Repercusión de la pandemia por COVID-19 en la formación de los residentes de neurología españoles

“…La actividad asistencial en los hospitales se transformó radicalmente no solo por el hecho de intentar minimizar el número de contagios entre los diferentes sanitarios, sino también porque los hospitales se vieron desbordados por una avalancha de enfermos con enfermedad COVID 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 con la consecuente disminución de hospitalizaciones dentro de las diferentes especialidades y la necesidad de redistribución de especialistas en áreas donde existía una urgente demanda de los mismos. De hecho, alrededor del 85% de los residentes atendieron de manera prácticamente exclusiva a pacientes con la COVID-19, pasando a formar parte de diferentes servicios en el global de su actividad, como medicina interna y urgencias, incluyendo la realización de guardias.…”

Assessment of Postgraduate Online Medical Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi constructed a 3-level pandemic response approach for developing and facilitating interventions determined to be necessary to maintain residency training. 39 Online didactic education was supplemented by converting rounds to virtual platforms. However, their detailed framework description awaits assessment of its effectiveness and resident perceptions and satisfaction.…”

Development and Validation of Pediatric Opioid Analgesia Self-Instruction System (PedOASIS): An Opioid Knowledge Tool for Pediatric Clinicians

“…The persistence of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has required unprecedented creativity and flexibility in medical education. Virtual and online learning opportunities play a key role in maintaining educational continuity 44,45. In this setting, PedOASIS II may be especially advantageous for furthering trainees’ understanding through an asynchronous, distance-learning platform.…”

“…Virtual and online learning opportunities play a key role in maintaining educational continuity. 44,45 In this setting, PedOASIS II may be especially advantageous for furthering trainees' understanding through an asynchronous, distancelearning platform.…”