Accepted Type
Oral
Code
OF2-1-1
Was this work accepted for CCME 2020?
no
Category
General Call (Workshop, Oral Presentation, Poster Presentation)
Type
Oral
Sub Type
Education Research
Will the presenter be a:
Resident
Affiliation
Considered for Poster
yes
Title
Pandemic and Postponed Exams: Impacts on Resident Wellness
Length of Presentation
Background/Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in worldwide lockdowns beginning in March 2020. Fears of overwhelmed hospitals led to significant changes in care provided by residents. Due to concerns regarding disease transmission, certification examinations in Canada were indefinitely postponed with minimal notice. This resulted in uncertainty and stress among residents in their certification exam year, many of whom were transitioning to practice. We explored residents' (a) perception of the pandemic's impact on their transition to practice, and (b) experience of exam cancellation, including personal and professional impacts.
Methods
We used qualitative description methodology. Residents from McMaster University and the University of Toronto were recruited through snowball sampling. In depth, semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted. Each was transcribed, reviewed and coded using content analysis by two members of the research team.
Results
Four main themes were identified. Residents endorsed significant feelings of uncertainty and loss after spending months preparing for both their exam and transition to practice. They were acutely aware of potential impacts of the pandemic on learning and future career plans. There was also significant stress regarding the timing and format of rescheduled exams and impacts on licensure. However, they identified their residency training programs and colleagues as significant sources of support.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all medical trainees and faculty. Our research demonstrates the impacts on certification year residents, including stressors and sources of support. This research may inform decision making during future waves of the COVID-19 pandemic or future disasters that will improve certainty and support during this critical year.
Keyword 1
COVID
Keyword 2
Examination
Keyword 3
Wellness
Level of Training
Post Graduate
Abstract Themes
Physician & Medical Student Health and Well-being
Additional Theme (First choice)
Postgraduate
Additional Theme (Second Choice)
Assessment
Additional Theme (Third Choice)
Authors
Presenter
Tara Riddell
Term 1
Yes
Term 2
Yes
Term 3
Yes
Term 4
Yes
Term 5
Yes
