How the COVID-19 pandemic changed urology residency - a nationwide survey from the Portuguese resident's perspective

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this article was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urology residency.

Material and methods: A 30 question online survey was sent to all urology residents in Portugal between the 25^th of April and the 25^th of May 2020. Reduction in different areas of clinical activity during the COVID-19 period were evaluated and their perceived impact on their residency program was quantified.

Results: Forty-three (54.4%) Portuguese urology residents responded to our inquiry. Eighty-one percent report having supressed their activity by more than 75% in the outpatient clinic; 48.8% in diagnostic procedures; 29.3% in endoscopic surgery; 67.5% in laparoscopic/robotic surgery and 17.5% in major open surgery. There were no differences in clinical activity reduction across residency years. Considering the impact of COVID-19 on urology training programs, 32.6% plan on prolonging residency. During the COVID-19 period, a larger number of residents report having spent more time developing research projects or on continuing medical education, as compared with the pre-COVID-19 period (p = 0.012).

Conclusions: COVID-19 had a major impact on Urology residency in Portugal, with major short- and long-term consequences. A large proportion of residents are considering prolonging their residency as a result.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; minimally invasive surgery; residency; survey; training programs; urology.

Figure 1

Reduction of clinical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Figure 2

“Considering the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 contamination during minimally invasive surgery, how was this type of approach affected in your center?”. NA – not applicable

Figure 3

Measures adopted to lower the risk of contamination with SARS – CoV-2 during minimally invasive surgery. NA – not applicable