key: cord-337831-f408yix9
authors: Prince, David S; Liu, Ken; Pavendranathan, Gokulan; Strasser, Simone I; Bollipo, Steven; Kanazaki, Ria
title: The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on gastroenterology trainees in Australia
date: 2020-06-23
journal: J Gastroenterol Hepatol
DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15159
sha: 
doc_id: 337831
cord_uid: f408yix9

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We would like to formally acknowledge the Australian gastroenterology advanced trainees who took part in this survey to participate. Eighty-three ATs (of 149 nationally; 56%) took part with representation across all states and years of training ( Table 1) .

The majority (66/83, 79.5%) of ATs reported concern regarding the impact of COVID-19 on training with limited access to endoscopy training being the greatest concern (72/83, 87%). A higher proportion of first year trainees were concerned compared to more senior trainees (24/26 vs. 42/57, P=0.05). The majority of ATs (57/83, 69%) reported that endoscopy services had reduced by more than 75% at their institution due to COVD-19 restrictions on elective endoscopy, only performing a median of two gastroscopies and one colonoscopy per week (Figure 1) . Twenty-five ATs (30%) were prohibited from performing emergency endoscopy due to safety concerns. This is in line with guidelines from several international societies 2, 4 which recommend emergency procedures be performed by the most senior available person to limit the number of staff exposed and PPE used.

Almost all ATs (82/83, 99%) were involved in telehealth consultations and most reported positive or neutral experiences with this service (65/82, 79%). The majority expressed concern that they may not be ready for independent practice at the completion of training due to COVID-19 (24/83 responded would not be ready and 27/83 unsure) and most were in favor of either additional 'catch-up' endoscopy training (45%) or extended training duration (36%). This survey highlights that COVID-19 has raised significant concerns for Australian gastroenterology ATs particularly in relation to endoscopy training. As a procedural speciality gastroenterology may be more affected than other specialities. Our findings may not be generalizable to other nations due to regional differences in training and the local severity and duration of the COVID-19 crisis. Indeed, it is likely that in nations more severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic the impact on trainees may be longer and more profound. In conclusion, we hope our survey can help to inform and guide modifications to training during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan

Overview of guidance for endoscopy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic

Australian Department of Health. Coronavirus (COVID-19) current situation and case numbers

Considerations for Australian endoscopy units during the COVID19 pandemic. Gastroenterological Society of Australia