A Survey of the Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Skill Decay Among Surgery and Anesthesia Residents

Recovery of Skill Decay After COVID-19 Redeployments and Implications for Competency Attainment

“…The follow-up survey replicated the content and structure of the initial survey. 7 The survey captured demographics, training level and specialty, objective data reflecting redeployment, as well as subjective perceptions of residents and faculty regarding the impact on residency training (including technical skill, critical care skills, and Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies of residents). The surveys were worded using inclusive terminology.…”

“… 6 Our group previously published that as a result of redeployments to COVID-ICUs, residents and faculty perceived resident technical skill decay due to the interruption in their training; however, residents and faculty noted improvements in other areas, such as their ability to provide critical care. 7 …”

“…Although short-term skill decay has been described, the lasting impact reduced caseloads and service redeployments have on resident training is unknown. 7 Understanding not only the perception of resident skill decay, but also the perceived impact on other professional competencies after one year will help inform residency program leadership on the unique needs of residents facing training interruptions moving forward.…”

Recent experience and performance during a critical in‐flight event

“…The recent experience of COVID-19 in aviation and other industries and the requirement to lay-off skilled personnel has generated interest in skill decay and its impact on performance (Nofi et al, 2022).…”

“…The recent experience of COVID‐19 in aviation and other industries and the requirement to lay‐off skilled personnel has generated interest in skill decay and its impact on performance (Nofi et al, 2022). While many airlines and other parts of the aviation industry have managed skill decay through the application of high‐fidelity simulation, non‐professional pilots do not necessarily have the same opportunities.…”