COVID-19 Impact on Senior Residents: Perceptions and Experiences of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Trainees

Introduction: Due to a surge of cases from the COVID-19 pandemic, senior residents (SRs) from the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency (PM and R) Programme, in a tertiary hospital, were deployed to manage COVID-19 cases. This was a stark difference to their usual job scope and training. This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to understand the perceptions and experiences of PM and R SRs in a Singapore-based tertiary hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from 1st June 2020 to 30th November 2020. Eleven participants were enrolled through purposive sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted and transcribed. Using an inductive approach, the data were coded, and thematic analysis was performed. Results: Ten participants (90.9%) cited negative impacts of COVID-19 on their training. Four key themes with corresponding subthemes were identified: (1) curtailed training, (2) career in jeopardy, (3) psychological distress caused by uncertainties and (4) role fulfilment. An overarching concept of ‘ Struggles: Front-stage versus back-stage’ experienced by the SRs was derived from the themes and data. Conclusions: The interdependent relationship of these issues necessitates the multifaceted support of the frontline training physician. The pandemic exerted a significant effect on the mental health of people worldwide. We explored the public and personal roles and duties borne by the training PM and R physicians and the struggles that emerge from them. In humanising the training of frontline physicians, and acknowledging their familial and societal roles, we can lay down steps to better assist training doctors in the next pandemic/epidemic.