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01-01-2021 | COVID-19 | Surgery in Low and Middle Income Countries

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Surgical Residency Training: Perspective from a Low-Middle Income Country

Authors: AbdulHafiz Oladapo Adesunkanmi, Akaninyene Eseme Ubom, Olalekan Olasehinde, Funmilola Olanike Wuraola, Omotade Adebimpe Ijarotimi, Nwedobong Ededem Okon, John Igemo Ikimalo, Olusola Benjamin Fasubaa, Abdul Rashid Kayode Adesunkanmi

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted postgraduate training programmes worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the Nigerian situation with respect to surgical training, with a view to identifying gaps and proffering solutions.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of surgical residents in Nigeria was conducted between 27 July 2020 and 14 August 2020. A structured questionnaire designed using the free software Google Forms^® was utilised for the study. The questionnaire was electronically distributed randomly to 250 surgical residents via emails and social media platforms including WhatsApp and Telegram. The data obtained was analysed by Google Forms^®. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the ethics and research unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.

Results

At the end of the study period, 207 surgical residents completed and submitted the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 82.8%. The majority of respondents reported a reduction (164, 79.2%) or cancellation (11, 5.3%) of postgraduate programmes in their institutions. Of those who had academic programmes, meetings were done using virtual technology in all instances. The majority of respondents reported seeing fewer patients in the outpatient clinics (173, 83.6%), as well as a reduction in the number of emergency and elective operations (58.5% and 90.8%, respectively). About a third of the respondents (70, 33.8%) were contemplating emigrating from the country.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the clinical, research and teaching components of surgical training in Nigeria. It has, however, led to increased adoption of digital technology which should be further explored in the face of current realities.

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Title: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Surgical Residency Training: Perspective from a Low-Middle Income Country
Authors: AbdulHafiz Oladapo Adesunkanmi
Akaninyene Eseme Ubom
Olalekan Olasehinde
Funmilola Olanike Wuraola
Omotade Adebimpe Ijarotimi
Nwedobong Ededem Okon
John Igemo Ikimalo
Olusola Benjamin Fasubaa
Abdul Rashid Kayode Adesunkanmi
Publication date: 01-01-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-020-05826-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Surgical Residency Training: Perspective from a Low-Middle Income Country

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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