Resident Education and Redeployment During a Disaster

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Critical Care Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare systems globally.
• Anesthesiologists and critical care physicians were at the forefront of managing critically ill patients.
• The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) faced unique challenges during the pandemic surge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe how the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at HUP adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To highlight innovative strategies implemented to maintain medical education and clinical care.
• To establish a template for addressing future healthcare system challenges.

Main Methods:

• Utilized simulations to prepare staff for novel clinical scenarios.
• Leveraged online education platforms to disseminate critical information and training.
• Implemented creative scheduling to ensure continuous patient care and resident education.

Main Results:

• Successfully managed the surge of COVID-19 patients.
• Ensured anesthesiology and critical care trainees met Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) milestones.
• Developed adaptive strategies for healthcare delivery during a crisis.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic spurred innovation in medical training and patient care.
• Creative scheduling and educational adaptations are crucial for healthcare system resilience.
• HUP's experience provides a model for future public health emergencies.