The COVID-19 effect on training opportunities, mental health and wellbeing of postgraduate trainees in Wales

Abstract

INTRODUCTION During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, routine dental care in Wales stopped with only urgent dental care being provided. Postgraduate trainees (dental core trainees [DCTs] and dental specialty registrars [StRs]) in Wales experienced disruption to their training as a result. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the pandemic on DCTs and StRs in Wales in terms of trainee learning, development, mental health and wellbeing. METHODS Postgraduate trainees (66 DCTs, 26 StRs) across Wales were invited to complete a survey exploring their experiences during the pandemic. Results were analysed and compared quantitatively and qualitatively. RESULTS Of the 92 postgraduate trainees contacted, 44 responded, yielding a 48% total response rate. Nineteen DCTs (76%) and seventeen StRs (90%) stated that the pandemic had caused a negative impact on their mental health. Eleven DCTs (44% DCTs) and nine StRs (32%) were redeployed to different clinical roles. Twenty-one DCTs (84%) and fourteen StRs (74%) felt concerned about the effects on training/careers, with around three-quarters (76% DCTs, 74% StRs) believing the impact was negative. Twenty-two DCTs (88%) and fifteen StRs (79%) performed fewer clinical procedures while twenty DCTs (80%) and sixteen StRs (84%) had educational events cancelled. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on postgraduate trainees in Wales owing to reduced clinical training and redeployment. Despite this, different experiences/skills were gained such as improved leadership skills. DCTs and StRs feel that extending their training, increasing departmental teaching and carrying over the annual study budget to the next year would be beneficial.

A national survey of the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on training and wellbeing of Restorative and Monospecialty Specialist Trainees in the UK and Ireland

“…A cross-sectional study was performed based upon a previously published and peer reviewed study 10 . This consisted of an initial pilot study to determine suitability of the method and questionnaire which was sent to 6 STs in different specialties across the United Kingdom.…”

“…The online survey consisted of a 20-item questionnaire created using internet-based software (Online Surveys, https://www.onlinesurveys.ac.uk) developed by Bristol University 12 and based upon previously validated questionnaire 10 . The questions asked were categorised into demographic and redeployment, perceptions of training experience, impact on education, and mental health and wellbeing.…”

“…For training experiences and impact on education, multiple responses could be given based on clinical roles within redeployment and only single answers for perceptions on mental health and wellbeing. Consent was obtained in a previously published two-step process requiring participants to read the required participant information and clicking 'next' and to complete and submit all responses for the questionnaire 10 .…”

“…A previous survey conducted across Wales demonstrated that the rst wave of the pandemic impacted postgraduate training and self-perceived mental health for both Dental Core Trainees (DCTs) and STs. 10 Both cohorts experienced differing proportions of redeployment, DCTs (44%) and STs (32%), expressed concern on the negative impact of Covid-19 on their training, DCTs (84%) and STs (74%), and extreme disruption to clinical and educational activities, DCTs (92%) and STs (79%). 10 Similar issues were also reported by Oral Surgery STs in the UK, with 74% expressing concern over the impact of Covid-19 on their speciality training with 59% stating they were either already or were due to be redeployed to other roles.…”

“…10 Both cohorts experienced differing proportions of redeployment, DCTs (44%) and STs (32%), expressed concern on the negative impact of Covid-19 on their training, DCTs (84%) and STs (74%), and extreme disruption to clinical and educational activities, DCTs (92%) and STs (79%). 10 Similar issues were also reported by Oral Surgery STs in the UK, with 74% expressing concern over the impact of Covid-19 on their speciality training with 59% stating they were either already or were due to be redeployed to other roles. 11 However, there is limited evidence in the literature on how training was affected for STs during the rst and third waves of the pandemic and it is assumed that during third wave, training would not have been as affected as during the rst wave.…”