The COVID-19 effect on training opportunities, mental health and wellbeing of postgraduate trainees in Wales

Abstract

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, routine dental care in Wales stopped with only urgent dental care being provided. Postgraduate trainees (dental core trainees [DCTs] and dental specialty registrars [StRs]) in Wales experienced disruption to their training as a result. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the pandemic on DCTs and StRs in Wales in terms of trainee learning, development, mental health and wellbeing. Postgraduate trainees (66 DCTs, 26 StRs) across Wales were invited to complete a survey exploring their experiences during the pandemic. Results were analysed and compared quantitatively and qualitatively. Of the 92 postgraduate trainees contacted, 44 responded, yielding a 48% total response rate. Nineteen DCTs (76%) and seventeen StRs (90%) stated that the pandemic had caused a negative impact on their mental health. Eleven DCTs (44% DCTs) and nine StRs (32%) were redeployed to different clinical roles. Twenty-one DCTs (84%) and fourteen StRs (74%) felt concerned about the effects on training/careers, with around three-quarters (76% DCTs, 74% StRs) believing the impact was negative. Twenty-two DCTs (88%) and fifteen StRs (79%) performed fewer clinical procedures while twenty DCTs (80%) and sixteen StRs (84%) had educational events cancelled. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on postgraduate trainees in Wales owing to reduced clinical training and redeployment. Despite this, different experiences/skills were gained such as improved leadership skills. DCTs and StRs feel that extending their training, increasing departmental teaching and carrying over the annual study budget to the next year would be beneficial.