Evolving Otolaryngology Resident Roles and Concerns at the Peak of the US COVID-19 Pandemic.

Cai, Yi; Gulati, Arushi; Jiam, Nicole T; Wai, Katherine C; Shuman, Elizabeth A; Pletcher, Steven D; Durr, Megan L; Chang, Jolie L

BACKGROUND The roles of US otolaryngology residents have changed in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As the pandemic peaked in the United States, we characterized resident activities and concerns. METHODS A cross-sectional study of US otolaryngology residents between April 20, 2020 and May 2, 2020. RESULTS A total of 219 residents at 65/118 (55%) institutions responded. Thirty (14%) residents had been redeployed. Residents reported greatest concerns regarding education (P < .00001). Assuming adequate protective equipment, 55% desired active participation in high-risk procedures on COVID-19-positive patients. Redeployed residents had greater concern for burnout and reduced in-hospital well-being (P < .05). Resident satisfaction correlated with comfort communicating concerns to their department (odds ratio [OR] = 4.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-17.3, P = .01) and inversely correlated with low perceived meaning in work (OR = 3.1, CI 1.1-9.1, P = .03). CONCLUSION Otolaryngology resident concerns have evolved as the pandemic progressed. Residency programs should prioritize resident education, well-being in redeployed residents, and open communication as they transition toward recovery.