Training programs may need to harness feedback from Fellows in Training (FITs) to ensure their ongoing safety, welfare and education as they navigate dramatic changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to survey results published June 16 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Prashant Rao, MD, et al., developed an online survey to capture the evolving daily activities of cardiovascular FITs; current strategies to reduce occupational risk; and the educational, social and psychological implications of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, created in conjunction with the ACC's FIT Section Leadership Council, focused on three key areas: policies for personal protective equipment (PPE) and concerns about risk of exposure; staffing practices during the pandemic and redeployment of FITs to noncardiology services, and their role in outpatient clinics and procedures; impact of COVID-19 on FIT education.

The survey was emailed to approximately 3,500 adult and pediatric cardiology FITs across the U.S.

Of the 997 FITs who responded to the survey, 81% reported wearing surgical masks for all patient contact. The majority of respondents (93% felt PPE recommendations were affected by current or anticipated supply shortages. In addition, nearly one-third of participants (29%) found it difficult to access PPE at their institution.

With respect to cardiology services, the majority of FITs reported they were performing fewer transthoracic echocardiography studies (69%). While most FITs (62%) were not participating in face-to-face outpatient clinic visits, 66% reported they were engaged in providing care through telemedicine. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (74%) agreed that additional training in performing telemedicine visits would be helpful.

The survey also revealed that while many FITs have been asked to use their critical care experience to care for COVID-19 patients, FITs felt that the current situation affected opportunities to pursue their career and research goals. Most respondents (69%) expressed concern about meeting ACC's COCATS 4 requirements. The majority (60%) are concerned about the economic impact of the pandemic on future job, and 48% believe the cancellation of national meetings and scientific conferences would compromise career and advanced fellowship placement.

The authors recommend that future employers across private, integrated, federal and academic institutions remain mindful of the obstacles that FITs trained during the COVID-19-era may experience during fellow-to-faculty transitions.

"Our work represents the most comprehensive assessment of cardiology FITs' perceptions regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular fellowship training," the authors conclude. "Overall, there has been a marked change in training roles and schedules during this period, and FITs are concerned about their personal safety, education and career prospects."

Clinical Topics: COVID-19 Hub, Noninvasive Imaging, Echocardiography/Ultrasound

Keywords: Fellowships and Scholarships, COVID-19, Pandemics, Leadership, Personal Protective Equipment, Goals, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Faculty, Telemedicine, Echocardiography, Critical Care

< Back to Listings