The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on radiology residents in Northern Italy

Objectives To assess changes in working patterns and education experienced by radiology residents in Northwest Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An online questionnaire was sent to residents of 9 postgraduate schools in Lombardy and Piedmont, investigating demographics, changes in radiolog...

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Published in:	European radiology Vol. 31; no. 9; pp. 7077 - 7087
Main Authors:	Cavalieri, Sergio, Spinetta, Marco, Zagaria, Domenico, Franchi, Marta, Lavazza, Giulia, Nardelli, Floriana, Serafini, Alessandro, Leone, Riccardo, Messina, Antonio, Arpaia, Francesco, Buccimazza, Giorgio, Carriero, Serena, D’Angelo, Felice, Stellato, Elvira, Giuri, Giulio, Balbi, Maurizio, Preziosa, Giulia Chiara, Parolise, Margherita, Pessina, Carlotta, Romano, Silvio, Curti, Marco, Capra, Davide
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-09-2021 Springer Nature B.V
Subjects:	Chi-square test Coronaviruses COVID-19 Demography Diagnostic Radiology Disease transmission Distance learning Humans Imaging Infections Internal Medicine Internship and Residency Interventional Radiology Italy - epidemiology Learning Medicine Medicine & Public Health Neuroradiology Pandemics Psychological factors Radiological Education Radiology SARS-CoV-2 Schools Statistical tests Surveys and Questionnaires Training Ultrasound Workload Italy COVID-19 Radiology Pandemic Survey and questionnaires Education, distance
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Summary:	Objectives To assess changes in working patterns and education experienced by radiology residents in Northwest Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An online questionnaire was sent to residents of 9 postgraduate schools in Lombardy and Piedmont, investigating demographics, changes in radiological workload, involvement in COVID-19-related activities, research, distance learning, COVID-19 contacts and infection, changes in training profile, and impact on psychological wellbeing. Descriptive and χ 2 statistics were used. Results Among 373 residents invited, 300 (80%) participated. Between March and April 2020, 44% (133/300) of respondents dedicated their full time to radiology; 41% (124/300) engaged in COVID-19-related activities, 73% (90/124) of whom working in COVID-19 wards; 40% (121/300) dedicated > 25% of time to distance learning; and 66% (199/300) were more involved in research activities than before the pandemic. Over half of residents (57%, 171/300) had contacts with COVID-19-positive subjects, 5% (14/300) were infected, and 8% (23/300) lost a loved one due to COVID-19. Only 1% (3/300) of residents stated that, given the implications of this pandemic scenario, they would not have chosen radiology as their specialty, whereas 7% (22/300) would change their subspecialty. The most common concerns were spreading the infection to their loved ones (30%, 91/300), and becoming sick (7%, 21/300). Positive changes were also noted, such as being more willing to cooperate with other colleagues (36%, 109/300). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic changed radiology residents’ training programmes, with distance learning, engaging in COVID-19-related activities, and a greater involvement in research becoming part of their everyday practice. Key Points • Of 300 participants, 44% were fully dedicated to radiological activity and 41% devoted time to COVID-19-related activities, 73% of whom to COVID-19 wards. • Distance learning was substantial for 40% of residents, and 66% were involved in research activities more than before the COVID-19 pandemic. • Over half of residents were exposed to COVID-19 contacts and less than one in twenty was infected.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23
ISSN:	0938-7994 1432-1084
DOI:	10.1007/s00330-021-07740-0