Impact of COVID-19 on orthopedic surgery residency programs in Algeria: a qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on the Algerian orthopedic surgery residency programs. Medical education has been negatively impacted. From an educational standpoint, teaching conferences for residents have been suspended. Grand rounds and in-person meetings have also been cancelled to comply with social distancing recommendations. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the orthopedic surgery residents’ education, clinical practice, and well-being. Materials and methods: An online cross-sectional survey was shared with orthopedic surgery residents of 6 teaching hospitals in Algiers (Algeria). Results: We received 58 responses (response rate: 24.57%). Fifty-four percent of the residents have been deployed on COVID-19 screening’ duties. Nearly 97% of the trainees reported that the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively impacted their surgical training. Most participants referred inadequate supply in personal protective equipment and indicated that the orthopedic surgery-training program should include a session about personal protective equipment every year. Among all the subjects, 54 (93%) perceived an increase in stress levels during the COVID-19 crisis and 90% were concerned about transmitting infection to their family members. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Algerian orthopedic surgery residency programs. The changes in the orthopedic activities have negatively impacted the residents’ learning, especially surgical training and affected their well-being. Adapted measures must be taken to face this unprecedented challenge and ensure the continuity of training for our residents.