Cavalieri S, Spinetta M, Zagaria D, Franchi M, Lavazza G, Nardelli F, Serafini A, Leone R, Messina A, Arpaia F, Buccimazza G, Carriero S, D'Angelo F, Stellato E, Giuri G, Balbi M, Preziosa GC, Parolise M, Pessina C, Romano S, Curti M, and Capra D
Objectives: To assess changes in working patterns and education experienced by radiology residents in Northwest Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to residents of 9 postgraduate schools in Lombardy and Piedmont, investigating demographics, changes in radiological workload, involvement in COVID-19-related activities, research, distance learning, COVID-19 contacts and infection, changes in training profile, and impact on psychological wellbeing. Descriptive and χ 2 statistics were used., Results: Among 373 residents invited, 300 (80%) participated. Between March and April 2020, 44% (133/300) of respondents dedicated their full time to radiology; 41% (124/300) engaged in COVID-19-related activities, 73% (90/124) of whom working in COVID-19 wards; 40% (121/300) dedicated > 25% of time to distance learning; and 66% (199/300) were more involved in research activities than before the pandemic. Over half of residents (57%, 171/300) had contacts with COVID-19-positive subjects, 5% (14/300) were infected, and 8% (23/300) lost a loved one due to COVID-19. Only 1% (3/300) of residents stated that, given the implications of this pandemic scenario, they would not have chosen radiology as their specialty, whereas 7% (22/300) would change their subspecialty. The most common concerns were spreading the infection to their loved ones (30%, 91/300), and becoming sick (7%, 21/300). Positive changes were also noted, such as being more willing to cooperate with other colleagues (36%, 109/300)., Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic changed radiology residents' training programmes, with distance learning, engaging in COVID-19-related activities, and a greater involvement in research becoming part of their everyday practice., Key Points: • Of 300 participants, 44% were fully dedicated to radiological activity and 41% devoted time to COVID-19-related activities, 73% of whom to COVID-19 wards. • Distance learning was substantial for 40% of residents, and 66% were involved in research activities more than before the COVID-19 pandemic. • Over half of residents were exposed to COVID-19 contacts and less than one in twenty was infected., (© 2021. The Author(s).)