Disaster preparedness, What we have learned from COVID 19 pandemic

<h3>Context:</h3> Despite a joint recommendation in 2003 by the AAMC and CDC that bioterrorism and mass-casualty training be included in the medical school curriculum, few medical schools have incorporated formal disaster training. COVID-199s impact surpasses previous pandemics, disrupting medical education by delaying clinical rotations and necessitating a rapid transition to telemedicine due to isolation and PPE shortages. <h3>Objective:</h3> To understand COVID-199s impact on physicians-in-training and their preparedness and well-being amidst clinical and lifestyle changes. We aim to highlight educational gaps for future pandemic preparedness. <h3>Study design and analysis:</h3> Descriptive statistics were used in SPSS to present demographics and responses and Chi-squared tests evaluated relationships between demographics and attitudes. <h3>Study Population:</h3> Thirty-six residents from UTSW, Parkland, Children9s Hospital, and Texas Health Resources were surveyed. <h3>Result:</h3> Among participants, 9% (n=3) had previous public health emergency experience, while 91% (n=31) did not. Only 15% (n=5) received emergency response training outside of residency, with 3% (n=1) during medical school. Approximately 29% (n=10) believed their residency adequately prepared them for disasters, while 71% (n=24) considered disaster training important. During the pandemic, 62% (n=21) used telehealth tools, including 50% (n=17) by telephone, 50% (n=17) via live video, and 24% (n=8) through text messaging. 32% (n=11) reported patient satisfaction with telemedicine transitions. 12% (n=4) received adequate training, and 41% (n=14) found the transition easy. Regarding clinical education changes since March 2020, 47% (n=16) were satisfied. 97% (n=33) reported tolerating unexpected situations well, decreasing to 85% (n=29) during COVID-19. Mental health services remained adequate for 65% (n=22), compared to 68% (n=23) before pandemic. Overall work satisfaction was 88% (n=30) before pandemic it dropped to 62% (n=22) during the pandemic. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> This study highlights COVID-199s profound impact on residents9 lives and training, emphasizing the need for enhanced disaster preparedness training. Capturing physicians-in-training9s perceptions is crucial for informing changes in medical education to better equip future physicians for crises. Addressing these gaps will be essential for ensuring optimal patient care in future pandemics.