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Review
. 2021 Dec 1;34(6):726-734.
doi: 10.1097/ACO.0000000000001065.

Graduate medical education in anaesthesiology and COVID-19: lessons learned from a global pandemic

Affiliations
Review

Graduate medical education in anaesthesiology and COVID-19: lessons learned from a global pandemic

Larry F Chu et al. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: The recent global pandemic has dramatically altered the anaesthesiology educational landscape in unexpected ways. It is important that we pause to learn from this crisis.

Recent findings: Most resident trainees actively caring for COVID-19 patients present with probable or subclinical finding of post-traumatic stress disorder. Anaesthesia resident training programmes evolved to continue the mission of anaesthesia education in the face of institutional restrictions and evolving clinical crises.

Summary: The recent global COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated how external stressors can cause significant disruption to traditional medical education pathways. Resilience to external disruptive forces in anaesthesia education include a willingness of leadership to understand the problem, flexibility in adapting to the needs of learners and instructors in the face of key challenges, deployment of technology and innovation-minded solution-finding where appropriate, and attention to Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Video abstract: http://links.lww.com/COAN/A77.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Box 1
Box 1
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FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as they relate to self-actualization and resident learning. (right) The anaesthesia trainee is challenged to meet basic needs on Maslow's hierarchy, including adequate sleep and safety. (left) The anaesthesia trainee has adequate support of physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem and self-actualization needs. Learning is well supported in this scenario.

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