Abstract
Background The present study evaluates the impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions during the
first lockdown period in spring 2020 on the neurosurgical resident training program,
and provides constructive approaches to deal with such situations.
Methods A concurrent embedded mixed methods design was used. Qualitative data were collected
through in-depth interviews from all neurosurgical residents at three university hospitals
in Germany. Concurrently, quantitative data of the number of performed surgeries,
outpatient visits, and the usage of telemedicine in the period from October 2019 to
July 2020 were collected and analyzed accordingly.
Results During the period of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in spring 2020, there was a marked
reduction in the number of surgeries performed by neurosurgical residents, from an
average of 41.26 (median 41) surgeries per month to 25.66 (median 24) per month, representing
a decrease of 37.80%. The decrease in the operations was concerning mainly spinal
and functional surgery. Outpatient visits were reduced significantly, with a concurrent
fivefold increase in the usage of telemedicine. General and pediatric neurosurgery
outpatient clinics were the most affected. However, although surgical exposure was
reduced during the lockdown phase, neurosurgical residents focused on conducting research
and improving theoretical knowledge. Nevertheless, the global uncertainties caused
by COVID-19 generated notable psychological stress among some residents.
Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions significantly affected the neurosurgical training
program. Innovative solutions need to be developed to increase teaching and research
capacities of neurosurgical residents as well as to improve surgical skills by installing
surgical skill laboratories or similar constructs.
Keywords
corona virus - COVID-19 - neurosurgery - residency program - education
