Effect of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic on Pediatric Resident Well-Being

• Main Authors: Pooja B Sanghavi, Karla Au Yeung, Carmela E Sosa, Angela F Veesenmeyer, Jolie A Limon, Vini Vijayan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2020-07-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/2382120520947062

Objectives: This study aims to identify factors specific to the COVID-19 pandemic that affect resident physicians’ well-being, identify potential sources of anxiety, and assess for depression and stress among residents. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed in April 2020 that evaluated resident perceptions about COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on their personal lifestyle, and coping mechanisms adopted. The respondents also completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Results: Of 37 residents, 29 completed the survey for a response rate of 78%. We found that 50% of residents harbored increased anxiety due to the pandemic and reported fears of spreading disease. Factors that negatively impacted their well-being included social isolation from colleagues (78%), inability to engage in outdoor activities (82%), and social gatherings (86%). Residents expressed concern about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on their didactic education and clinical rotations. The mean PSS-10 total score was 17 (SD = 4.96, range = 0-33) and the mean BDI-II total score was 6.79 (SD = 6.00). Our residents adopted a number of coping mechanisms in response to COVID-19. Conclusions: We identified factors specific to the COVID-19 pandemic that adversely affected resident physician well-being. Trainees were concerned about the risk of developing COVID-19 and spreading this to their family. Residents also harbored anxiety regarding the effect of COVID-19 on their education. Lifestyle changes including social isolation also resulted in a negative effect on resident well-being. Developing strategies and resources directed to addressing these concerns may help support well-being and alleviate stress and anxiety.