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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.
Abstract:
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on internal medicine training in the UK. Many unprecedented changes have been made to prioritise the care of affected patients. The medical workforce was re-shaped, training programmes were disrupted, Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) examinations were cancelled and their format changed on re-commencement, teaching programmes were suspended and delivery methods amended, out of programme (OOP) opportunities deferred, non-COVID related research halted, trainee progression impacted and trainee mental health and wellbeing suffered. Despite this, the pandemic has undoubtedly created a plethora of unique learning opportunities for trainees that could make them better doctors and healthcare leaders in the future.
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