Background
The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has represented unprecedented challenge to health care system. During such global threat, it is very difficult if not impossible to disregard the impact of this crisis on fellows-in-training (FITs). Accordingly, we sought to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiology FITs in form of their volume of procedures and the challenges they confront during pandemic.
Methods
Study included cardiology FITs from 5 cardiac teaching centers, a printed survey in form of pdf file was sent to FITs by telegram; the survey consisted of 10 sections and included 43 questions, which focused on number and type of cardiac procedures done by the candidates before the pandemic (from December 2019 to February 2020) and during the pandemic in Iraq (March to June 2020). The survey also inquired on personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to candidates during duties.
Results
The survey included 49 candidates; 77.6% were adult cardiology FIT, 20.4% were pediatric cardiology FIT, and 1 candidate was EP FIT. All cardiac interventions dropped with highest rate of drop of volume in structural heart interventions and in diagnostic angiographies. The candidates reported undersupply of PPE during pandemic as 59.2% reported crucial need for more PPE supply during duties; 22.4% reported no clear protocol in their hospitals to deal with cardiac patients during pandemic; 59.2% reported need for regular virtual teaching webinars to upscale education.
Conclusion
There is remarkable disruption in cardiology training caused by COVID-19; every effort should be taken by decision-makers to prepare a well-equipped workforce nucleus to counteract this pandemic and improve cardiovascular care.
Categories
OTHER: COVID-19