A cross-sectional survey investigating the impact of COVID-19 on surgery training at teaching hospitals accredited by the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa

Abstract

Background

Globally, clinical training programmes have adopted several strategies in response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, including reorganizing the provision of care and safeguarding the well-being of trainees. This study aimed to describe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical training programmes in Africa.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey through an online questionnaire distributed via email to all College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) trainees and faculty. Input regarding experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic was sought, including perceptions about personal protective equipment (PPE), organizational changes impacting training, use of e-learning platforms, reactions to the pandemic, and measures taken by institutions to combat COVID-19. Descriptive statistics were utilized, along with comparisons between faculty and trainee experiences. P values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Including 78 faculty members (31.6%), 247 participants completed the survey, and 175 believed they had been supplied with sufficient information regarding COVID-19 and the relevant PPE (71.7% of 244 who responded to this questionnaire item). The PPE components that were reported as most available were face masks (n=239, 96.8%), gloves (n=236, 95.5%), and body gowns (n=178, 72.1%). Most of the respondents (n=212, 85.8%) had learning reorganized at their centres due to the pandemic. Forty-two participants (17.0%) reported being exposed to COVID-19. Two respondents (0.8%) reported testing positive for COVID-19, but both were asymptomatic. About half of the respondents (n=122, 49.4%) used the existing COSECSA e-learning platform in the same manner as before the pandemic, and 174 participants (70.4%) suggested that COSECSA should implement a different ex­amination format given the circumstances.

Conclusions

COSECSA training centres have adopted measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, the pandemic has already adversely affected staff and patients. The centres should increase access to information about COVID-19 and enhance infection protection practices. Likewise, COSECSA should enrich online educational platforms and consider alternative examination formats.