Ayesha Hanif, Amna Anam, Irfan Qayyum.
Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic on Postgraduate Resident Training in Ophthalmology: an Aspect to Be Pondered.
Al-Shifa J Ophthalmol Jan ;16(2):86-92.

Objectives: Postgraduate training program was affected in many ways during covid-19 lockdown regarding patient exposure, working hours, medical and surgical skills of different specialties. In this study we aimed to find out the impact of the pandemic on postgraduate training of ophthalmology residents. Study design: Cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: This study was held in different hospitals of Punjab during 15th march to 15th July 2020. Participants and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including 42 post graduate residents of ophthalmology department in four tertiary care hospitals of Punjab using an online 19-point questionnaire. The questionnaire included four sections that were clinical work skills, online classes, exams and mental health. Results: Of all the residents, 40 (95.3%) stated that their surgical hands-on training and 36 (85.7%) responded that their clinical exposure was adversely affected by the pandemic. As for online classes, only 14 (35%) trainees favored online teaching. Among all the subjects, 34 (80.9%) were concerned about their exam preparation and delay. About 70% residents were depressed over their training effects. Conclusion: The unfavorable effects on training amidst the pandemic reduced hands-on and clinical exposure of the ophthalmological residents. Moreover, the situation indicated to explore more efficient methods of learning that can help trainees to continue training positively during pandemic and also psychological monitoring of trainees should be done during their tenure.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com