Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Anaesthesiology and Reanimation Residency Training in Turkey

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on clinical practice and education of anaesthesiology and reanimation residents in Turkey.

A 33-question web-based survey was sent to anaesthesiology and reanimation residents in Turkey. Residents were asked about their clinical practice and education before and during the pandemic and personal perspectives on working conditions and training.

A total of 223 residents participated. Median working time in the intensive care unit of 2.5 months/year before the pandemic increased to 6 months/year during the pandemic (P < .001). Median working time in the operating room of 9 months/year decreased to 6 months/year (P < .001). The time working in the algology and anaesthesiology outpatient clinic decreased significantly (both P < .001). Neuraxial and peripheral nerve block practices decreased (P = .002 and P = .023, respectively). The number of night shifts per month increased (P < .001). While the average number of beds in intensive care units was 14, it increased to 19.5 beds (P < .001). The education time for lecture and clinical case discussion decreased (P < .001), but medical meeting attendance did not change (P = .174). Eighty-seven percent of the residents reported that night shifts were very intense and intense during the pandemic. For 87.3% of the respondents, the workload increased, and 71.6% of the respondents reported a decrease in theoretical education and 66.7% in practical training. Sixty-three percent of last year residents reported that they were negatively and very negatively affected in making the thesis.

The pandemic had a negative impact on anaesthesiology and reanimation residency training programs in Turkey.