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Adapting Urology Residency Training in the COVID-19 Era

2020; Elsevier BV; Volume: 141; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.urology.2020.04.065

1527-9995

Young Suk Kwon, Alexandra L. Tabakin, Hiren V. Patel, Jeffrey R. Backstrand, Thomas L. Jang, Isaac Yi Kim, Eric A. Singer,

Infection Control and Ventilation

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the lives of many health care workers (HCW), including resident physicians. Residents comprise a large portion of the workforce in many academic centers and have become critical in the front-line response for COVID-19 patients. As hospitals experience surges in admissions, residents in many disciplines, including urology, have been asked to function outside their specialty training to join COVID-19 treatment units. As the pandemic unfolds, urology residents will face challenges regarding personal safety and well-being, disruptions in their urology training, and relationship strain. Given the uncertain duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the possibility of multiple waves of infection,1Bauchner H Sharfstein J A Bold Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Medical Students, National Service, and Public Health.JAMA. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.6166Crossref Scopus (86) Google Scholar long-term action plans can help prepare training programs and residents during these unprecedented times. In this commentary, we discuss different elements affecting urology resident training during the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to minimize the impact of these factors. We recognize urology programs are heterogeneously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; these suggestions should be adapted to programs' individual needs and capabilities. The large number of HCW infections and deaths from COVID-19 has underscored the importance of access to personal protective equipment (PPE). As a result of PPE shortages, many institutions have encouraged employees to reuse single-use PPE items for several days or longer, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.2Recommended Guidance for Extended Use and Limited Reuse of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators in Healthcare Settings. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hcwcontrols/recommendedguidanceextuse.html;2020Google Scholar The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has acknowledged the national PPE shortage, but maintains that resident physicians are to only participate in clinical environments if they have appropriate PPE.3Stage 3: Pandemic Emergency Status Guidance. https://acgme.org/COVID-19/Stage-3-Pandemic-Emergency-Status-Guidance;2020Google Scholar,4ACGME Statement on Early Graduation from US Medical Schools and Early Appointment to the Clinical Learning Environment. https://www.acgme.org/Newsroom/Newsroom-Details/ArticleID/10184/ACGME-Statement-on-Early-Graduation-from-US-Medical-Schools-and-Early-Appointment-to-ACGME-Accredited-Programs;2020Google Scholar Proper fit-testing and training, especially when multiple types/brands of PPE are being utilized, are also critical safety factors. These PPE lessons will be especially important for the PGY-1 class of 2020, as well as some early medical school graduates,4ACGME Statement on Early Graduation from US Medical Schools and Early Appointment to the Clinical Learning Environment. https://www.acgme.org/Newsroom/Newsroom-Details/ArticleID/10184/ACGME-Statement-on-Early-Graduation-from-US-Medical-Schools-and-Early-Appointment-to-ACGME-Accredited-Programs;2020Google Scholar as any errors in technique or judgment can have significant consequences. Many HCW are asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 and can spread the virus to others. Access to COVID-19 testing for both HCW and patients is variable, and testing policies differ by region and institution. It is critical that residents who experience symptoms suggestive of a COVID-19 infection self-quarantine, only return to work after cessation of symptoms, and obtain testing if available. Until access to testing increases, clinicians should assume patients requiring an operation have COVID-19 until proven otherwise and take the proper precautions. Urology residents should exercise precautions in the operating room, as bag mask ventilation, endotracheal intubation, and laparoscopic surgery are aerosol-generating procedures that carry an increased risk of airborne viral transmission. Resident surgeons should leave the room during intubation when possible, wear proper PPE, avoid excessive use of electrocautery, and suction surgical smoke liberally.5Zheng MH Boni L Fingerhut A Minimally invasive surgery and the novel coronavirus outbreak: lessons learned in China and Italy.Ann Surg. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1097/SLA.0000000000003924Crossref Scopus (347) Google Scholar Hospitals should develop protocols for testing patients going to the operating room (OR) based on testing availability and speed of result acquisition.5Zheng MH Boni L Fingerhut A Minimally invasive surgery and the novel coronavirus outbreak: lessons learned in China and Italy.Ann Surg. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1097/SLA.0000000000003924Crossref Scopus (347) Google Scholar COVID-19-related precautions should be integrated into standard surgical time outs to ensure that all OR staff are properly protected. Many residency programs have responded to the pandemic by assembling rotating teams to cover their urology services, reducing the risk of COVID-19 exposure to patients and residents alike.6Vargo E Ali M Henry F Kmetz D Krishnan J Bologna R Cleveland Clinic Akron General Urology Residency Program's COVID-19 Experience.Urology. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2020.04.001Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (48) Google Scholar Through such a strategy, urology teams maintain a "healthy reserve" of residents who are available to fill in if a co-resident falls ill. Teams should consider virtual handoffs and assigning individual residents to round on patients, rather than traditional team rounds.7Nassar AH Zern NK McIntyre LK et al.Emergency Restructuring of a General Surgery Residency Program During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: The University of Washington Experience.JAMA Surg. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2020.1219Crossref PubMed Scopus (112) Google Scholar We encourage urology residents to refer nonurgent consults directly to telemedicine outpatient appointments to minimize patient exposure to hospitals and clinics.6Vargo E Ali M Henry F Kmetz D Krishnan J Bologna R Cleveland Clinic Akron General Urology Residency Program's COVID-19 Experience.Urology. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2020.04.001Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (48) Google Scholar Additionally, some institutions are running under ACGME Stage 3 surge protocols, which temporarily lift common program- and specialty-specific requirements, thereby allowing the deployment of urology residents to the emergency room, intensive care units (ICUs), and other areas of heightened need.3Stage 3: Pandemic Emergency Status Guidance. https://acgme.org/COVID-19/Stage-3-Pandemic-Emergency-Status-Guidance;2020Google Scholar,7Nassar AH Zern NK McIntyre LK et al.Emergency Restructuring of a General Surgery Residency Program During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: The University of Washington Experience.JAMA Surg. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2020.1219Crossref PubMed Scopus (112) Google Scholar,8Zarzaur BL Stahl CC Greenberg JA Savage SA Minter RM Blueprint for Restructuring a Department of Surgery in Concert With the Health Care System During a Pandemic: The University of Wisconsin Experience.JAMA Surg. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2020.1386Crossref PubMed Scopus (44) Google Scholar Urology residents rotating outside of their specialty must have adequate supervision in these new environments, as is mandated by the ACGME.3Stage 3: Pandemic Emergency Status Guidance. https://acgme.org/COVID-19/Stage-3-Pandemic-Emergency-Status-Guidance;2020Google Scholar,9Alvin MD George E Deng F Warhadpande S Lee SI The Impact of COVID-19 on Radiology Trainees.Radiology. 2020; 201222https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.2020201222Crossref PubMed Scopus (117) Google Scholar Many urology residents have not rotated on medical or ICU services since medical school or internship. Therefore, trainee experience should be considered when deploying residents to COVID-19 units. Residents should also undergo training regarding COVID-19 treatment, complications, assessment/management algorithms, airway and ventilator management, palliative care resources, PPE conservation, and ongoing clinical trials at their respective institutions. With the deployment of urology team members to nonurologic services, many questions exist concerning the future of urology training.6Vargo E Ali M Henry F Kmetz D Krishnan J Bologna R Cleveland Clinic Akron General Urology Residency Program's COVID-19 Experience.Urology. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2020.04.001Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (48) Google Scholar During this time, the American Board of Urology (ABU) is actively examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trainees and will aim to provide fair alternatives for residents who require extended time away from work. The ABU also indefinitely postponed the qualifying exam for graduating urology residents.10ABU Response to COVID-19. https://www.abu.org/news/detail/abu-response-to-covid-19;2020Google Scholar With the unclear natural history of COVID-19 and potential for future epidemic waves, the development of sustainable alternatives to traditional resident educational activities is paramount. One way to supplement clinical training is through active participation in telemedicine clinics. As of March 17, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) temporarily expanded telehealth coverage for Medicare patients as part of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.11Medicare Telemedicine Health Care Provider Fact Sheet.https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-telemedicine-health-care-provider-fact-sheet;2020Google Scholar,12Gadzinski AJ Ellimoottil C Odisho AY Watts KL Gore JL Implementing Telemedicine in Response to the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic.J Urol. 2020; (101097JU0000000000001033)https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001033Crossref PubMed Scopus (89) Google Scholar With this policy, many hospitals have encouraged clinicians to transition their clinics to telemedicine platforms for patients who do not require physical exams or procedures.12Gadzinski AJ Ellimoottil C Odisho AY Watts KL Gore JL Implementing Telemedicine in Response to the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic.J Urol. 2020; (101097JU0000000000001033)https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001033Crossref PubMed Scopus (89) Google Scholar We encourage residents to partake in telehealth initiatives, as permitted by their institutions. By participating in these virtual visits, residents can review charts and engage in patient counseling under the supervision of an attending urologist. A number of studies have demonstrated the feasibility and success of telemedicine clinics for urologic conditions, both in pediatrics and adults.13Finkelstein JB Cahill D Young K et al.Telemedicine for Pediatric Urologic Postoperative Care is Safe, Convenient and Economical.J Urol. 2020; (101097JU0000000000000750)https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000750Crossref PubMed Scopus (30) Google Scholar,14Safir IJ Gabale S David SA et al.Implementation of a Tele-urology Program for Outpatient Hematuria Referrals: Initial Results and Patient Satisfaction.Urology. 2016; 97: 33-39https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2016.04.066Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (38) Google Scholar To our knowledge, no studies have examined the incorporation of telemedicine into urology residency curricula. However, telemedicine clinics have been effectively implemented in other specialties.15Papanagnou D Stone D Chandra S Watts P Chang AM Hollander JE Integrating Telehealth Emergency Department Follow-up Visits into Residency Training.Cureus. 2018; 10: e2433https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.2433Crossref PubMed Google Scholar, 16Moore MA Jetty A Coffman M Over Half of Family Medicine Residency Program Directors Report Use of Telehealth Services.Telemed J E Health. 2019; 25: 933-939https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2018.0134Crossref PubMed Scopus (9) Google Scholar, 17Tipton PW D'Souza CE Greenway MRF et al.Incorporation of Telestroke into Neurology Residency Training: "Time Is Brain and Education".Telemed J E Health. 2019; https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2019.0184Crossref PubMed Scopus (4) Google Scholar In order to preserve PPE and decrease transmission of COVID-19, the American College of Surgeons issued a statement recommending that surgeons curtail elective surgeries.18COVID-19: Elective Case Triage Guidelines for Surgical Care. https://www.facs.org/covid-19/clinical-guidance/elective-case;2020Google Scholar While what constitutes an "elective" case is often left to the discretion of the surgeon, many institutions have published protocols for surgical triage, although there is heterogeneity among the recommendations.19Proietti S Gaboardi F Giusti G Endourological Stone Management in the Era of the COVID-19.Eur Urol. 2020; Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (66) Google Scholar,20Stensland KS Morgan T Moinzadeh A et al.Considerations in the Triage of Urologic Surgeries During the COVID-19 Pandemic.Eur Urol. 2020; Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (208) Google Scholar With a dearth of cases in which residents can participate, there may be a role for at-home surgical simulation. Simulations have been used to train residents in fundamental surgical skills foropen, endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures.21Rowley K Pruthi D Al-Bayati O Basler J Liss MA Novel use of household items in open and robotic surgical skills resident education.Adv Urol. 2019; 20195794957https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/5794957Crossref PubMed Scopus (12) Google Scholar,22Timberlake MD Garbens A Schlomer BJ et al.Design and validation of a low-cost, high-fidelity model for robotic pyeloplasty simulation training.J Pediatr Urol. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.02.003Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (10) Google Scholar While some high-fidelity urologic simulations use equipment not readily available for use at home,22Timberlake MD Garbens A Schlomer BJ et al.Design and validation of a low-cost, high-fidelity model for robotic pyeloplasty simulation training.J Pediatr Urol. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.02.003Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (10) Google Scholar some low-fidelity models can be constructed from household items.21Rowley K Pruthi D Al-Bayati O Basler J Liss MA Novel use of household items in open and robotic surgical skills resident education.Adv Urol. 2019; 20195794957https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/5794957Crossref PubMed Scopus (12) Google Scholar Additionally, many surgery residency programs support the use of home laparoscopy box trainers, which may be a suitable replacement for virtual reality simulators only available at the hospital.23Yiasemidou M de Siqueira J Tomlinson J Glassman D Stock S Gough M "Take-home" box trainers are an effective alternative to virtual reality simulators.J Surg Res. 2017; 213: 69-74https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2017.02.038Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (28) Google Scholar Several groups have described makeshift laparoscopic trainers that can be used at home.21Rowley K Pruthi D Al-Bayati O Basler J Liss MA Novel use of household items in open and robotic surgical skills resident education.Adv Urol. 2019; 20195794957https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/5794957Crossref PubMed Scopus (12) Google Scholar,23Yiasemidou M de Siqueira J Tomlinson J Glassman D Stock S Gough M "Take-home" box trainers are an effective alternative to virtual reality simulators.J Surg Res. 2017; 213: 69-74https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2017.02.038Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (28) Google Scholar, 24Jaber N The basket trainer: a homemade laparoscopic trainer attainable to every resident.J Minim Access Surg. 2010; 6: 3-5https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-9941.62525Crossref PubMed Scopus (17) Google Scholar, 25van Duren BH van Boxel G.I Use your phone to build a simple laparoscopic trainer.J Minim Access Surg. 2014; 10: 219-220Crossref PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar While these simulations are not substitutes for live surgeries, they may allow residents to maintain their skill set. To further approximate the surgical environment, we suggest experienced surgeons hold interactive virtual review sessions of surgical videos to discuss operative techniques and procedural nuances. As urology residents are reassigned to the emergency room, medical floors, and ICUs, trainees have the unique opportunity to gain exposure to other disciplines that can enhance their medical knowledgebase and interoperability with other services. Residency programs should encourage learning opportunities outside of urology in fields such as clinical ethics, health policy, and global health, all of which have direct applications to the COVID-19 pandemic.1Bauchner H Sharfstein J A Bold Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Medical Students, National Service, and Public Health.JAMA. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.6166Crossref Scopus (86) Google Scholar,26Angelos P Surgeons, Ethics, and COVID-19: Early Lessons Learned.J Am Coll Surg. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2020.03.028Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (46) Google Scholar Residents should share with each other how their institutions are handling surgical triaging, resource allocation, and patient care management innovation. Ensuring we have an adaptable, resilient surgical workforce will benefit us now and when we inevitably face future crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated worldwide educational collaboration within the urology community. The American Urological Association (AUA) and other organizations continue to offer a multitude of online didactic resources including the AUA core curriculum and virtual courses (Table 1). Most residency programs have transitioned their tumor boards and didactic lectures to digital platforms.6Vargo E Ali M Henry F Kmetz D Krishnan J Bologna R Cleveland Clinic Akron General Urology Residency Program's COVID-19 Experience.Urology. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2020.04.001Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (48) Google Scholar Select centers have extended access to their virtual lectures on social media permitting hundreds of resident viewers in their audiences. For example, the University of California at San Francisco founded the Urology Collaborative Online Video Didactics (COViD), a series of daily online lectures given by urologic educators across the country covering a variety of topics.27Urology Collaborative Online Video Didactics (COViD). https://urologycovid.ucsf.edu/;2020Google Scholar Participants have the opportunity to engage in discussion and ask questions, thereby receiving state-of-the-art education and gaining exposure to how urology is practiced outside their institutions.27Urology Collaborative Online Video Didactics (COViD). https://urologycovid.ucsf.edu/;2020Google Scholar These digital lectures also promote networking and resident camaraderie. Urology residents working on a flexible clinical schedule should maintain a daily log of their educational activities that can be monitored by their program directors. Ultimately, virtual platforms could lead to the implementation of a standardized national urology resident curriculum with interactive modules, where trainees have access to expert faculty in all areas of urology, regardless of their program size, location, or faculty composition.Table 1Summary of select online educational materials for urology residentsDidactic resourcesAUA Core Curriculumhttps://auau.auanet.org/coreAUA Course Cataloghttps://auau.auanet.org/coursesUrology Collaborative Online Video Didactics (COViD)https://urologycovid.ucsf.edu/USC Urology 60 MinutesYoutube channel: Urology 60 minutesEducational Multi-Institutional Program for Instructing Residents (EMPIRE)https://nyaua.com/empire/Evidence-based Decisions in Surgeryhttp://www.ebds.facs.org/Research resources and online coursesAUA Research Overviewhttps://www.auanet.org/research/research-overviewWriting A Successful Career Development Award Application (2018)https://auau.auanet.org/content/writing-successful-career-development-award-application-2018Big Data and 'Omics' Analysis in Urology (2020)https://auau.auanet.org/content/big-data-and-omics-analysis-urology-2020Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (IPPCR)https://ocr.od.nih.gov/courses/ippcr.html Open table in a new tab Table 2Summary of factors affecting urology residents and action items during the COVID-19 pandemicFactors Affecting Urology ResidentsAction ItemsPersonal and workplace safetyAccess to PPE and COVID-19 testing•Ensure proper fit-testing•Practice donning and doffing PPE•Exercise caution in the operating room: leave OR during intubation, avoid excessive electrocautery, and suction surgical smoke•Assume all patients requiring an emergent operation have COVID-19 until proven otherwise, and take proper precautions•Incorporate COVID-19 precautions into OR time outsTemporary residency restructuring•Assemble rotating skeleton crews•Perform virtual patient handoffs•Assign individual residents to patient rounds; forego traditional team rounds•Refer nonurgent consults to telehealth visits•Residents deployed to COVID-19 services should complete training in institutional algorithms for COVID-19 management, clinical trials, etc.EducationClinical training•Enable resident participation in telehealth clinics•Encourage residents to engage in surgical simulation exercises and guided virtual surgery lectures•Supplement urology curriculum with education in medical ethics, health policy, global health, and other surgical disciplinesDidactics•Continue departmental education using virtual platforms•Attend publicly available virtual lectures given by providers at outside institutions•Maintain detailed log of daily educational activitiesResearch•Continue ongoing research projects, if permitted by institution and clinical demands; encourage inter-institutional collaborations•Participate in online research-focused courses by AUA or NIH•Virtually present at and attend national conferencesPersonal wellnessSocial relationships•Practice social distancing•Maintain close social relationships with family and friends despite physical isolationMental health•Educate residents about mental health challenges they may face in a pandemic•Hold forums for residents to express their concerns•Consider periodic screenings for psychological conditions•Establish readily accessible mental health services, including 24-hour hotlines Open table in a new tab The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed many research practices. Some institutions have limited their laboratory staff, and many institutional review boards are not approving non-COVID-19 studies for the foreseeable future,9Alvin MD George E Deng F Warhadpande S Lee SI The Impact of COVID-19 on Radiology Trainees.Radiology. 2020; 201222https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.2020201222Crossref PubMed Scopus (117) Google Scholar while others continue to maintain their portfolios of therapeutic clinical trials. These delays are likely to have consequences for both clinical and basic science research, but faculty mentorship and many current projects can continue.9Alvin MD George E Deng F Warhadpande S Lee SI The Impact of COVID-19 on Radiology Trainees.Radiology. 2020; 201222https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.2020201222Crossref PubMed Scopus (117) Google Scholar,28Puliatti S Eissa A Eissa R et al.COVID-19 and Urology: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature.BJU Int. 2020; https://doi.org/10.1111/bju.15071Crossref Scopus (140) Google Scholar We encourage urology residents to enhance their knowledge of research design and analysis by participating in free online courses offered by the AUA, American College of Surgeons, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) (Table 1). During the COVID-19 pandemic, many urology residents have been deployed to unfamiliar clinical environments, faced with challenges that may threaten their physical and mental health. Many trainees are living separately from their families to reduce the risk of viral transmission. During this time of physical separation, it is essential that residents attempt to maintain their social relationships despite physical isolation.9Alvin MD George E Deng F Warhadpande S Lee SI The Impact of COVID-19 on Radiology Trainees.Radiology. 2020; 201222https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.2020201222Crossref PubMed Scopus (117) Google Scholar Trainees should be briefed on the possibility of moral injury, anxiety, and depression. Program leaders are encouraged to hold recurring forums for residents to acknowledge and discuss their daily challenges. Health care systems should consider regular housestaff screenings for psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and distress; mental health services, including emergency hotlines, should be readily available to those in need. The timeline for resolution and the long-term effects of COVID-19 on our patients and health systems are still unknown. Therefore, urology training programs must respond in innovative and dynamic ways. It is critical to ensure safety via adequate PPE and COVID-19 testing and provide adequate mental health assessment for urology trainees. While this pandemic has altered clinical duties, urology residents are encouraged to continue ongoing academic endeavors through digital medical education and research. Ultimately, the challenges created by COVID-19 pandemic will be overcome through novel solutions that can empower the next generation of urologists.