A review of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on urology residence training

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: Since March 11, 2020, when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, a significant strain was placed on the worldwide health-care system. Although urology does not stand at the frontline of care for patients with COVID-19, every practicing urologist has been affected by the global outbreak. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urology residency training was evaluated taking into account the residents' point of view regarding these unprecedented circumstances. Evidence Acquisition: We performed a literature review on the current evidence based on urology residency training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Relevant databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) were searched (until June 2021), and the main inclusion criterion was the presence of residents' or directors' opinion on their residency training program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence Synthesis: The search identified 72 articles. A total of 14 studies reporting on more than 2500 residents were eligible for inclusion. The articles were analyzed, and the results are presented in the current review. Conclusions: This unprecedented situation has critically affected urology residency training. A decrease in operation volume, especially those in which residents were directly involved as well as in the majority of academic activities, has been reported by many studies. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated a significant impact on trainees' mental well-being and lifestyle. On the other hand, the lockdown stressed the opportunity to implement innovative training tools, such as smart training programs and surgical skill development activities monitored by expert urologists.