key: cord-0907595-er8z74gk
authors: Viviani, F.; Ferrari, T.; Mussi, M.; Zengarini, C.; Orioni, G.
title: Dermatology residents and COVID‐19: life behind the frontlines
date: 2020-07-03
journal: Clin Exp Dermatol
DOI: 10.1111/ced.14365
sha: 06c05f80adad084bedf960f378f78bedc943fed2
doc_id: 907595
cord_uid: er8z74gk

the CoronaVirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic outbreak in Italy completely changed patients’ access to healthcare systems and therefore the doctor‐patient relationship, in particular during the national lockdown (from March 11th to May 18th).

the CoronaVirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak in Italy completely changed patients' access to healthcare systems and therefore the doctor-patient relationship, in particular during the national lockdown (from March 11th to May 18th). Strict measures were implemented at our Dermatology Unit of the University of Bologna, in order to prevent presymptomatic and asymptomatic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 1 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoronaVirus-2) between patients and medical personnel. This situation dramatically changed our daily hospitalbased activities: the number of both the outpatient visits and the surgical procedures dropped, since only urgent and oncological visits were allowed 2 . Furthermore, a new system of teledermatology consultations for most of the non-critically ill patients in COVID-19 wards and ICUs (Intensive Care Units) was implemented, similar to those applied in other countries 3 .

The reorganization of our Unit had a particularly heavy impact on residents. Although dermatology residents were not redeployed to support the overburdened COVID-19 wards, their training suffered disruption in many ways. The reduction of outpatient visits and elective surgical procedures, the cancellation of in-person academic activities (teaching seminars and conferences) and the postponement of clinical rotations between different hospitals within our region were the main challenges faced by our residency program. These pandemic-related problems were also observed in other hospitals and medical specialties, highlighting a dilemma which unites all the affected countries 4 .

Furthermore, residents were forced to observe stricter social distancing measures than those followed by the general population, placing a significant strain on residents' well-being and morale.

Since May 18th the outpatient activity of our Dermatology Unit has recommenced, as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Italy seems to be slowing down. Nevertheless, in-person academic and teaching activities are still suspended and it is likely that the above-mentioned difficulties will persist in the coming months. Nationwide recommendations regarding this crucial aspect of the Italian National Health Service have not yet been issued, nonetheless several innovative solutions are available, including virtual classrooms with online questions, academic teleconferences, telehealth outpatient clinics and the development of surgical videos 5 .

However, despite these difficulties, the 16 dermatology residents from our University Hospital in Bologna increased their scientific production over the last months. Since March 1st, 23 scientific

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved papers were accepted by international journals and 28 are currently under review, several of which regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the interest in investigating SARS-CoV-2 from the dermatologic point of view and the more time available aside from the clinical work played an important role in stepping up their productivity.

In conclusion, a great deal of flexibility was and will be required from medical residents during this unprecedented pandemic due to the working, academic and personal adversities. On the other hand, not all evils come to harm, and in fact the last months showed the possibility of increasing residents' scientific production by providing them with more time to focus on this task.

Collaboration between residency programs and medical organizations will be key to maintain high-quality clinical education and to achieve a new balance in the aftermath of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

A Review of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19)

The covid-19 outbreak in Italy: preventive and protective measures adopted by the dermatology unit of bologna university hospital

Telemedicine for inpatient dermatology consultations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Modifications to Dermatology Residency Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Using Technology to Maintain the Education of Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Accepted Article

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved