Perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residency training in American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia programs in North America: a quantitative survey

Abstract

Objective

To characterize the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aspects of the anesthesia residency experience from the perspective of American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA) mentors and trainees. This includes the residency interview process, didactic training and availability and variety of clinical cases for resident learning.

Study design

Cross-sectional, online, anonymous voluntary survey.

Sample population

A total of 58 respondents, representing 30 residency program mentors and 28 residents.

Methods

Surveys were distributed by email to 94 residency program mentors and 70 residents, representing programs and residents registered with the ACVAA during the years of 2019–2021. Anonymous links to an online survey were provided via a link embedded in the email. Questions included perceived impacts (–5 to +5 scale) on didactic and clinical training, case distribution, workload, residency application and selection process, and mental health. Responses were summarized with descriptive statistics [median (IQR) or mean ± SD].

Results

The overall survey response rate was 31.9% (30/94) and 40.0% (28/70) for resident program mentors and residents, respectively. There was a negative perceived impact on overall residency training reported: –1.0 (IQR –2.0 to 0) for program mentors and –1.5 ± 1.5 for residents. The reported perceived impact of travel limitations on case log completion was –2.0 (IQR –4.0 to –1.0) for program mentors and –2.4 ± 2.0 for residents. Program mentors and residents had incongruent feelings on the impact of the pandemic on work hours, with residents reporting a perceived increase in work hours [+2.1 ± 2.1 versus 0 (IQR –1.0 to 0)].

Conclusions

Residency program mentors and residents generally agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively impacted multiple aspects of residency interview and training process. A broader, objective analysis of veterinary anesthesia training programs is required to fully elucidate the scale of the impact on veterinary anesthesia training.