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. 2021 Sep;31(9):7077-7087.
doi: 10.1007/s00330-021-07740-0. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on radiology residents in Northern Italy

Sergio Cavalieri  1 , Marco Spinetta  1 , Domenico Zagaria  1 , Marta Franchi  2 , Giulia Lavazza  2 , Floriana Nardelli  2 , Alessandro Serafini  2 , Riccardo Leone  3 , Antonio Messina  3 , Francesco Arpaia  4 , Giorgio Buccimazza  4 , Serena Carriero  4 , Felice D'Angelo  4 , Elvira Stellato  4 , Giulio Giuri  5 , Maurizio Balbi  6 , Giulia Chiara Preziosa  6 , Margherita Parolise  7 , Carlotta Pessina  7 , Silvio Romano  8 , Marco Curti  9 , Davide Capra  10
Affiliations

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on radiology residents in Northern Italy

Sergio Cavalieri et al. Eur Radiol. 2021 Sep.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess changes in working patterns and education experienced by radiology residents in Northwest Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to residents of 9 postgraduate schools in Lombardy and Piedmont, investigating demographics, changes in radiological workload, involvement in COVID-19-related activities, research, distance learning, COVID-19 contacts and infection, changes in training profile, and impact on psychological wellbeing. Descriptive and χ2 statistics were used.

Results: Among 373 residents invited, 300 (80%) participated. Between March and April 2020, 44% (133/300) of respondents dedicated their full time to radiology; 41% (124/300) engaged in COVID-19-related activities, 73% (90/124) of whom working in COVID-19 wards; 40% (121/300) dedicated > 25% of time to distance learning; and 66% (199/300) were more involved in research activities than before the pandemic. Over half of residents (57%, 171/300) had contacts with COVID-19-positive subjects, 5% (14/300) were infected, and 8% (23/300) lost a loved one due to COVID-19. Only 1% (3/300) of residents stated that, given the implications of this pandemic scenario, they would not have chosen radiology as their specialty, whereas 7% (22/300) would change their subspecialty. The most common concerns were spreading the infection to their loved ones (30%, 91/300), and becoming sick (7%, 21/300). Positive changes were also noted, such as being more willing to cooperate with other colleagues (36%, 109/300).

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic changed radiology residents' training programmes, with distance learning, engaging in COVID-19-related activities, and a greater involvement in research becoming part of their everyday practice.

Key points: • Of 300 participants, 44% were fully dedicated to radiological activity and 41% devoted time to COVID-19-related activities, 73% of whom to COVID-19 wards. • Distance learning was substantial for 40% of residents, and 66% were involved in research activities more than before the COVID-19 pandemic. • Over half of residents were exposed to COVID-19 contacts and less than one in twenty was infected.

Keywords: COVID-19; Education, distance; Pandemic; Radiology; Survey and questionnaires.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors of this manuscript declare no relationships with any companies whose products or services may be related to the subject of the article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Chord diagram outlining gender differences in time dedication to radiological work during the pandemic emergency. Each arrow represents the number of residents dedicating the designated percentage of perceived working time to radiological work. Note the relative gender disproportions in residents not dedicated and fully dedicated to radiological work
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Residents’ dedication to distance learning
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Tools used by residents for distance learning
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Proportions of junior and senior residents reporting COVID-19 contacts
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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