A qualitative study regarding stress and coping in frontline postgraduate trainee doctors working at a COVID hospital

Context: There are few studies regarding stress and coping in postgraduate trainee doctors (PGTDs) working with COVID-19 patients during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indian setting. Aims: This qualitative study examines the causes of stress, the stress experience, and the coping methods in PGTDs working with COVID-19 patients. Setting: This study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital with an attached medical college and a COVID-19 hospital in India. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study used in-depth audio interviews with PGTDs. Statistical Analysis: Content analysis was used to identify direct and latent themes. Results: Thematic saturation was achieved with 13 participants. The major themes were related to the causes of stress, the stress experiences, and the coping with stress in PGTDs while working with COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: There are various causes of stress reported by PGTDs while doing their COVID duties. The stress was due to external and internal stressors. Most experience some degree of stress while working in COVID-19 wards. This was more during their first duties, but subsequent ones are less stressful. Most use healthy coping mechanisms to cope with the stress. The advice they have for other COVID-19 HCWs has also been reported. Implications: This will be useful to plan suitable interventions, training, research, and policy for PGTDs working with COVID-19 patients in the Indian setting.