UK internal medicine training in the time of COVID-19

Sana Sharrack1, Caroline Ann Zollinger-Read1, Miriam Faith Cox1

  • 1Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK.

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted internal medicine training in the UK, affecting exams, research, and trainee wellbeing. However, it also presented unique learning opportunities to develop future doctors and leaders.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Education
  • Internal Medicine Training
  • Public Health Crises

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated significant changes in medical training globally.
  • Internal medicine training programs in the UK faced unprecedented challenges.
  • Prioritizing patient care during the pandemic led to widespread disruptions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on internal medicine training in the UK.
  • To identify disruptions and challenges faced by trainees and training programs.
  • To explore the potential long-term benefits and learning opportunities arising from the crisis.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative analysis of reported changes and disruptions.
  • Review of training program modifications and examination alterations.
  • Assessment of impacts on trainee progression, research, and well-being.

Main Results:

  • Disruptions included workforce re-shaping, training program alterations, and examination cancellations/modifications.
  • Teaching methods were amended, research was halted, and trainee progression was impacted.
  • Significant negative effects on trainee mental health and well-being were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Despite severe disruptions, the pandemic offered unique learning experiences for internal medicine trainees.
  • These experiences have the potential to shape future doctors and healthcare leaders.
  • Adapting to crises can foster resilience and enhance leadership skills in medical professionals.

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
71
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
43
Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets01:17

Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets

Transmission-based precautions are for patients known to be infected or suspected to be infected or colonized with organisms that pose a significant risk to others. Some transmission-based precautions include contact, enteric, and droplet.
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
4.2K
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
84
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
69
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:30

Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
89