COVID-19 and Canadian Gastroenterology Trainees

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global healthcare, particularly affecting specialized training programs like gastroenterology.
• Endoscopy services and educational activities faced unprecedented challenges worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the specific impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gastroenterology trainees in Canada.
• To characterize changes in procedural volumes, trainee well-being, and educational resource availability.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of Canadian respondents from the international EndoTrain survey (April-May 2020).
• Survey data included monthly endoscopy volumes, personal protective equipment (PPE) access, and trainee concerns.
• Primary outcome: change in procedural volume; Secondary outcomes: professional/personal concerns, anxiety, and burnout.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in monthly endoscopy procedures (EGD, colonoscopy, UGI bleeding) was observed during the pandemic (P < 0.001).
• 88% of trainees worried about COVID-19 exposure, 94% about clinical competence, and 71% about training delays.
• 79% experienced anxiety, and 31% reported burnout.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic substantially hindered gastroenterology training in Canada.
• Gastrointestinal programs must adapt post-pandemic to optimize resident learning and ensure endoscopic competence.
• Strategies are needed to maintain clinical care standards and trainee development.