Challenges of students and residents of human medicine in the first four months of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic – Implications for future waves and scenarios

Introduction: In the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, medical students
and residents are expected to adapt and contribute in a healthcare
environment characterized by ever-changing measures and policies. The aim
of this narrative review is to provide a summary of the literature that
addresses the challenges of students and residents of human medicine in
the first four months of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in order
to identify gaps and find implications areas for improvement within the
current situation and for potential future scenarios.  Methods:
We performed a systematic literature search and content analysis (CA) of
articles available in English language that address the challenges of
students and residents of human medicine in the first four months of the
fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Results: We retrieved 82 articles
from a wide range of journals, professional backgrounds and countries. CA
identified five recurring subgroup topics: «faculty preparation»,
«uncertaintiesy and mental health», «clinical knowledge», «rights and
obligations» and «(self-) support and supply». Within these subgroups the
main concerns of «(re)deployment», «interruption of training and career»,
«safety issues», «transmission of disease», and «restricted social
interaction» were identified as potential stressors that hold a risk for
fatigue, loss of morale and burnout. Discussion: Students and residents
are willing and able to participate in the fight against Covid-19 when
provided with appropriate deployment to areas of need, thorough
supervision, legal guidance, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)safety
measures and, clinical necessary knowledge, thorough supervision, social
integration and mental health support. Preceding interviews to decide on
reasonable voluntary deployment, the use of new technology and frequent
feedback communication with faculties, educators and policymakers can
further help with a successful and sustainable integration of students and
residents in the fight against the pandemic.Faculties and policymakers
should be in close contact with the youngest in training and be cognizant
of their concerns and intrinsic creativity on the scenario. The use of new
technology for interaction and knowledge provision, preceding interviews
to decide on reasonable voluntary deployment and the provision of mental
health support seem important measures to aid students and residents in
the fight against the current pandemic. Conclusion: It is critical that
faculties, educators and policymakers have a better thorough understanding
of the needs and concerns of medical trainees during this pandemic times.
Leaders should facilitate close communication with students and residents,
value their intrinsic creativeness and regularly evaluate their needs in
regards to deployment, knowledge aspects, safety measures, legal concerns
and overall well-being.