The oxymoron of working in a non-patient facing role as an internal medical trainee: the risk associated with COVID-19 moved pregnant healthcare workers off the frontline to other meaningful work
Background
Given the recognised increased risk of coronavirus to pregnant patients, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) recommended that healthcare workers (HCWs) should assume a non-patient facing role from 28 weeks gestation.
Objective
This should be viewed as an opportunity, rather than a limitation. These weeks of third trimester could be used to contribute positively to the clinical team and to benefit training as an internal medical trainee.
Initiative / methods
Being excused from the usual clinical duties gave flexibility in how the working day could be spent:
participation in virtual outpatient clinics
preparation of lists of outlying patients, ordering scans, triaging referrals
out of hours: preparing discharge letters, admission documents, and giving telephone advice to junior colleagues
delivering virtual dermatology revision tutorials to medical students
creating scenarios and assisting in simulated teaching of foundation year doctors
attending (virtually) the final day of RCP peer support network and completing both educational initiatives
commencing a postgraduate certificate of clinical education
experiencing a taster week in radiology
collecting and analysing data.
Results / benefits
These weeks transpired to be some of the most varied, productive and rewarding weeks of internal medical training. In a non-patient facing role, I found that my time and energy was protected from being consumed by duties entirely related to service provision, and I could pursue my interests in academic aspects of working as a doctor.
Conclusion
There may be many reasons as to why a trainee may have to temporarily assume a non-patient facing role. This need not hinder their training, as they can engage in very meaningful, helpful work that benefits their colleagues, patients and medical students.
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