Pediatric Faculty and Trainee Attitudes Toward the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVES: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented event in modern medicine. In this study, we evaluate pediatric faculty and trainee attitudes and perspectives related to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and their roles in the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: We surveyed a pediatric hospital’s faculty and trainees (n = 701) in April 2020 about their concerns related to SARS-CoV-2, trust in current recommendations, and attitudes toward trainee roles. We used descriptive statistics to analyze results and compared across sex and roles using logistic regression.

RESULTS: Among 320 respondents (46% response rate), 73% were concerned with personal risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 88% were concerned with loved ones’ risk. Twenty-four percent were concerned because of personal risk factors. Nearly half expressed concerns as their family’s major provider and about salary changes (48% and 46%). Seventy-nine percent were concerned about lack of personal protective equipment and 43% about redeployment. Respondents endorsed varying levels of trust in recommendations related to COVID-19. Nearly three-fourths (72%) felt trainees are essential personnel. The majority were receptive to returning to usual patient care and training as the pandemic progresses. Significant differences exist across sex and roles related to levels of concern, trust, and trainee roles.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we assess the concerns and perspectives of pediatric faculty and trainees related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most view trainees as essential personnel and recognize the importance of direct patient care in their training. These results can be used to inform policy changes and trainee roles as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.