A Multinational Study of The Impact of Covid-19 On Urologic Surgery Residency and Wellbeing

Abstract

Objective: To assess changes to the experiences and wellbeing of urology trainees in the United States (US) and European Union (EU) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A 72-item anonymous online survey was distributed September 2020 to urology residents of Italy, France, Portugal, and the US. The survey assessed burnout, professional fulfillment, loneliness, depression and anxiety as well as 38 COVID specific questions.

Results: Two hundred twenty-three urology residents responded to the survey. Surgical exposure was the main educational concern for 81% of US and 48% of EU residents. E-learning was utilized by 100% of US and 57% of EU residents with two-thirds finding it equally or more useful than traditional didactics. No significant differences were seen comparing burnout, professional fulfillment, depression, anxiety, or loneliness among US or EU residents, 73% of US and 71% of EU residents reported good to excellent quality of life during the pandemic. In the US and EU, significantly less time was spent in the hospital, clinic, and operating room (P <.001) and residents spent more time using telehealth and working from home during the pandemic and on research projects, didactic lectures, non-medical hobbies and reading. The majority of residents reported benefit from more schedule flexibility, improved work life balance, and increased time for family, hobbies, education, and research.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant restructuring of residents' educational experience around the globe. Preservation of beneficial changes such as reduction of work hours and online learning should be pursued within this pandemic and beyond it.

Figure 1

Benefit of increased time for activities among US and EU urology residents (Color version available online).