Residents' perceived impact of covid-19 on saudi ophthalmology training programs-a survey

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the current pandemic on ophthalmology residency training in Saudi Arabia, focusing on its effects on clinical education, training, and the mental well-being of the trainees Methods: An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed among residents in the Saudi ophthalmology training programs between July 7 and 14, 2020 In this study, we explored residents’ opinions regarding training disruption and virtual education The patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on their mental health We used descriptive statistics for data analysis Results: Out of 183 registered ophthalmology residents, 142 participated in this study Ninety-six participants (35 4%) were rotated at a specialized eye hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 52 (19 2%) had rotations in the ophthalmology department at general hospitals Those who rotated in both types of hospitals were 123 (45 4%) According to the participants, there was a significant decline in exposure to surgical and office-based procedures compared to emergency eye consultations (Friedman P <0 001) The COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on mental health was reported by 100 (70 5%) participants Eighty-five (55 4%) respondents were satisfied with the virtual method of education Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted residents’ clinical and surgical training in the Saudi ophthalmology training programs Additionally, we believe that COVID-19 may have a negative impact on trainees’ mental health Fortunately, the current pandemic provided an innovative education method that will likely be used even after the pandemic