Well-Being and Education of Urology Residents During the COVID-19
Pandemic: Results of an American National Survey
Abstract
Background: The rapid spread of COVID-19 has placed tremendous strain on
the American healthcare system. Few prior studies have evaluated the
well-being of or changes to training for American resident physicians
during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to study predictors of trainee
well-being and changes to clinical practice using an anonymous survey of
American urology residents. Methods: An anonymous, voluntary,
47-question survey was sent to all ACGME-accredited urology programs in
the United States. We executed a cross-sectional analysis evaluating
risk factors of perception of anxiety and depression both at work and
home and educational outcomes. Multiple linear regressions models were
used to estimate beta coefficients and 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Among approximately 1,800 urology residents in the USA, 356
(20%) responded. Among these respondents, 24 had missing data leaving a
sample size of 332. Important risk factors of mental health outcomes
included perception of access to PPE, local COVID-19 severity, and
perception of susceptible household members. Risk factors for
declination of redeployment included current redeployment, having
children, and concerns regarding ability to reach case minimums. Risk
factors for concern of achieving operative autonomy included
cancellation of elective cases and higher level of training.
Conclusions: Several potential actions, which could be taken by urology
residency program directors and hospital administration, may optimize
urology resident well-being, morale, and education. These include
advocating for adequate access to PPE, providing support at both the
residency program and institutional levels, instituting telehealth
education programs, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility of
COVID-19 patients.