Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on physical and rehabilitation medicine residents in the Americas

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) specialty globally. The effects of this pandemic on PRM residents in 14 countries of the Americas are described in this study. Materials and Methods: This study is based on the international survey done by the World Youth Forum of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. The cross-sectional data obtained were analyzed for a point-of-view study (August 2020). Results: PRM residents reported multiple challenges in their training program including mental health issues during the pandemic. In all the countries, there was either complete or partial closure of services provided by PRM specialists at the height of the crisis. In some areas, there was a necessity to temporarily transform the rehabilitation service into a COVID-19 unit and to assign residents to medical and intensive care units. Residency programs in 13 countries introduced virtual lectures and examinations. The duration of residency will probably increase in three countries, may not be affected in another six, and is still undetermined in five. The specialty licensing examination was temporally suspended/postponed in four countries, administered in a modified way in one, and has not been affected yet in four. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the training of PRM residents in the Americas. Despite the efforts to overcome this, the residents need more support including well-being programs. Every country and training program should continue to evolve to adapt to the crisis and anticipate additional challenges in the near future.