Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical skills training in pediatric surgery residents.

To analyze the initial impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on surgical skills training and performance of Pediatric Surgery Residents. Retrospective study considering the modifications on the Pediatric Surgery Residency training from March 1st–May 31st, 2020. Exposure to OR learning opportunities was compared to the same 2018–2019 trimesters. An anonymous survey about self-perception on surgical skills development was also performed. Residents performed 209 procedures as leading surgeons during the 2020 trimester with a mean number of surgeries per resident of 20.9, representing a reduction of 46% and 56.8% compared to the 2018–2019 averages, respectively. Reduction in both the number and the percentage of total procedures (n: 209, 56.8%) compared to both 2019 (n: 354, 68.7%, p: 0.000272) and 2018 (n: 420, 76.1%, p < 0,00,001) showed statistical correlation with no changes in their complexity pattern. From the survey (response rate: 100%), hours dedicated to simulation-based training were highly increased. More time was spent studying, but only 60% achieved better preparation for surgery and 70% perceived a decrease in surgical confidence. Even though the pandemic promoted new teaching strategies and the use of simulation-based training, it drastically reduced “on-the-job” learning opportunities with potential effects on residents’ performance and self-confidence during surgery.