Title: Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Philippine General Hospital-OBGYN Residency Training Program

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the healthcare system of our country including the training of resident physicians. Studying the effects of the pandemic on residency training, in OB-GYN in particular, can help in formulating new solutions to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the quality of the residency training program. 

Design: This was a cross-sectional study using mixed methods on the effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the PGH - Obstetrics, and Gynecology Residency Training Program. The mixed methods were composed of qualitative and quantitative methods.

Methods: An extensive review of the type and number of procedures done by each resident was collated and was averaged per year level during 2019, 2020, and 2021 and a comparison was made with the minimum requirement of POGS. A survey questionnaire was directed to the training officers during the pandemic (2020 and 2021) to determine planned changes, in the training curriculum of the resident-in-training. 

Results: The study showed that in 2019, the residents were able to complete all of their required procedures and it was noted that in all year levels, the mean average of the procedures per resident was statistically higher compared to the minimum number given by POGS and to the cases completed during 2020-2021. The type of procedures and the minimum number of procedures were the same for pre-pandemic and during the pandemic. Rotation to other accredited hospitals, allowing transfer of technical responsibilities and extension for at least 6 months were implemented to help the residents accomplish their deficiencies.

Conclusion:  The COVID-19 pandemic imposed a major negative impact on OB-GYN residency training. In terms of their surgical competencies, compared to pre-pandemic years, residents-in-training were given and exposed to a very limited number and type of cases. This was reflected in the number of cases they have accomplished. Several adjustments were done to ensure that the residents were receiving the best training and to guarantee that the institution can cope up with the deficiency in surgical procedures and still bring out quality training and education to the graduates of the residency training program.