The impact of COVID-19 on O&G trainees; where are we now?

Background and Objectives: Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) training continues to face challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in gynaecological surgical training. This follow-up survey captures the ongoing effect on O&G trainees and highlights the future recovery plan considering the historical training gaps in benign gynaecology. Materials and Methods: an anonymised survey was emailed to all O&G trainees in Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS). Responses were collected over 6 weeks. Main Outcome Measures and Results: 53% of trainees responded. In total, 78% of trainees agreed that the pandemic had an ongoing negative effect on their physical and mental wellbeing respectively. Trainees felt the prior negative impact on obstetric training is improving, whilst 88% still experience a negative impact on their gynaecology surgical training despite the resumption of elective services in the National Health Service (NHS). 80% continue to feel the negative impact on their educational activities and 88% felt their overall training continues to be negatively impacted. 70% were positive that they would recover from this. Responses were representative of each training year. Interestingly, 95% of trainees had accepted the COVID vaccine. Conclusion: despite "restoration" of normal services, the negative impact on trainees particularly benign gynaecology surgical training continues. Addressing pre-pandemic training gaps whilst tackling the surgical back-log and the needs of service provision will continue for years to follow. What is new?: Future training needs to incorporate creative ways of acquiring surgical skills. It is imperative to imbed simulation training into O&G training programmes. Pastoral support is key to ensure trainees' mental and physical well-being are prioritised and the already high burn-out rates do not worsen.