PG102 Anaesthesiology trainee learning opportunities during the coronavirus pandemic

Abstract

Introduction This survey aimed to Establish the extent to which trainees feel the pandemic to date has disrupted their training. Identify what training and research opportunities have been available to trainees Identify if and how teaching has continued in anaesthesiology departments Methods A link to an online survey was sent out to anaesthetic trainees in the Republic of Ireland. 64 responses were received from a range of sites (Dublin based 59%) and with a range of experience. (SHO-42%, Registrar- 58%). This represented a 19% response rate among those enrolled in Specialist Anaesthesiology Training (SAT). Results 85% of respondents felt that they lost out on important training opportunities because of the pandemic, with 28% strongly agreeing. These opportunities included anaesthesiology exams (30%), other exams (17%), attending meetings (65%), presenting at meetings (33%), research (17%), attending mandatory courses (43%), and recommended courses (28%). 75% felt that they had the opportunity to take part in other training opportunities, with 37.5% somewhat agreeing that this was the case. These included participating in simulation (44%), designing and implementing simulation (21%), taking on mentorship roles (25%), protocol and guideline design (25%), and clinical research (19%). 58% of simulation training was in donning and doffing PPE, 50% was in airway management in ICU and 23% was in cardiac arrest management. The most helpful factors that trainees felt helped them in pursuing training were their relationships with consultants (79%), and other trainees (80%). 84% respondents said that the amount of teaching in their departments decreased during the pandemic, and that where it did departmental teaching took place via videoconferencing (70%), as did ICU teaching (30%), and simulation (33%). Discussion While negative effects of the pandemic on training opportunites is clear,1 2 trainees also felt they had training opportunities that they would not otherwise have. This is important because of the significant pressure we know that trainees feel to pursue non clinical activities.3 It is noteworthy that 44% respondents had access to on site simulation training. The importance of mentorship and relationships with colleagues and both consultant and trainee level is also clear. References Rose S. Medical Student Education in the Time of COVID-19. JAMA 2020 Jun 2;323(21):2131. Daodu O. COVID-19 – Considerations and Implications for Surgical Learners. Ann Surg 2020 Jul;272(1):e22–3. Introduction to CAT & CAI Training & Wellness Survey [Internet]. [cited 2020 Jun 28]. Available from: https://dv4.mediasite.com/mediasite/Play/264cae73b65742ad89b49577b79603a51d