Sustaining a national surgical training programme during the COVID-19 pandemic
Soumen Das De1,2, Mark E Puhaindran1,2, Sreedharan Sechachalam2,3
1Department of Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Bone & Joint Open
|November 23, 2020
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted surgical training, impacting hand surgery residents. Strategies prioritizing trainee safety, resource rationalization, and technology integration are crucial for maintaining competencies during crises.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted global healthcare systems.
- Surgical training programs, especially those requiring procedural skills, faced unprecedented challenges.
- Hand surgery training in Singapore, reliant on rotations and hands-on practice, was severely affected.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hand surgery trainee education in Singapore.
- To outline strategies for maintaining trainee competencies amidst pandemic-related disruptions.
- To provide insights for other surgical training programs facing similar challenges.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the impact of pandemic-related disruptions on a combined hand surgery training program.
- Development of strategies based on trainee safety, resource management, and innovative learning.
- Consideration of sustainability for implemented changes.
Main Results:
- Cancellation of elective surgeries and rotations halted traditional training progression.
- Trainees faced risks of not meeting requirements, burnout, and depression.
- Essential medical services are at risk due to prolonged training suspension.
Conclusions:
- Trainee safety and well-being must be paramount during crises.
- Rationalized resource utilization and innovative, technology-based learning are essential.
- Sustainable strategies are needed to ensure the continuity of quality surgical education.
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