Safety and other concerns
The majority of trainees reported that they were provided adequate PPE for participation both in the operating room (81%) and in the inpatient or ER setting (82.3%, Table 3). However, 43% still reported that they also acquired their own PPE. Most participants (76%) felt safe and protected performing their clinical duties, and 85% of respondents felt that their department was supportive of suggestions and feedback. While trainees overall felt supported by their departments, some major concerns included exposure to the virus (70%), infecting others with the virus (87.3%), and the safety of co-workers (72.8%). Challenges that trainees reported facing included “changing policies and guidelines” surrounding PPE, “lack of transparency of leadership”. Additional challenges included “coping with collective and personal anxiety”, “feeling not useful”, “dealing with the unknown” and hoping for more “mental health resources.” The most frequent challenges cited (half of respondents) were related to reduced “surgical training,” decreased clinical experience, and junior residents not being able to participate in OR or inpatient encounters.