Fear, health impacts, and life delays: residents' certification exam year experience.

Autor: Onlock M; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada., Nasser L; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.; Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada., Riddell T; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada., Snelgrove N; Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada., Pardhan K; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. kaif.pardhan@gmail.com.; Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. kaif.pardhan@gmail.com.; University of Toronto and McMaster University, Toronto, ON, Canada. kaif.pardhan@gmail.com.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: CJEM [CJEM] 2023 Jun; Vol. 25 (6), pp. 468-474. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Mar 26.
DOI: 10.1007/s43678-023-00485-3
Abstrakt: Background: Residency training is associated with risks of burnout and impaired well-being. This may be due to multiple factors, including navigating various transitions. Chief among these is the transition to independent practice which, in Canada, involves a certification exam administered by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or the College of Family Physicians of Canada. This qualitative study explored the experience of residents in their examination year, including residents impacted by pandemic-related examination postponment, to understand how these experiences may impact residents' well-being.
Methods: Qualitative description methodology was used for this study. Participants were residents and physicians in independent practice from McMaster University and the University of Toronto. In depth, semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted by one of the investigators. Each was transcribed, reviewed, and coded by two members of the investigating team.
Results: Five themes were identified. Examinations were perceived to be a significant stressor, and the extent of preparation involved was viewed as a threat to one's physical and mental well-being. Participants identified a culture of fear surrounding the exam, as well as a perception that exam preparation requires significant sacrifice which can exacerbate the impacts of the exam year. Personal and professional supports were identified as important protective factors.
Conclusion: This study has identified unique challenges in the examination year, and its impact on the well-being of residents immediately before they enter independent practice. Residents also experienced significant learning and a sense of accomplishment through their preparation for the examination. The COVID-19 pandemic had a unique impact on one cohort of residents. This should prompt medical education institutions to examine the support provided to residents, the culture surrounding certification examinations, and mitigation strategies for future examination disruptions.
(© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP)/ Association Canadienne de Médecine d'Urgence (ACMU).)
Databáze: MEDLINE
Externí odkaz: