COVID-19 Pandemic in University Hospital: Impact on Medical Training of Medical Interns

Lim, W.; Teoh, L. Y.; Seevalingam, K. K.; Kuppusamy, S.

Introduction Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has strike all nations hard since the end of year 2019, Malaysia unable to escape the fate as well. Healthcare system, financial growth, industrial development and educational programme are stunted. Inevitably, professional training and education are affected which include the medical training of medical interns. Methods This is a cross-sectional, pilot study to determine the impact of the pandemic on University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) medical interns. A survey which comprises 37-items was used. Data are analysed by Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis. Results Medical interns feel that they lack clinical skills (p = 0.005) and need more exposure in surgical operations (p =0.029). Some are satisfied with the introduction of triage (p = 0.024), online teaching (p = 0.005) and bedside teaching (p=0.023). Most of them think they are fit and ready to handle the pandemic (p = 0.012 and 0.025 respectively) except first year medical interns (p = 0.029). Some feel like their time are wasted (p <0.05) as they are involved in many non-clinical activities (p = 0.003). Conclusion In summary, COVID-19 has a great impact on medical training amongst medical interns. Alternative measures should be taken to minimize the interruption in training of our future leaders in medical field.