P79 Medical students’ mood adversely affected by COVID-19 pandemic: An interim analysis from the SPICE-19 prospective cohort study of 2075 medical students and interim foundation doctors
Bandyopadhyay S., Georgiou I., Baykeens B., Gillespie CS., de Andres Crespo M., Bashir MT., Handa A., Saunders KEA.
Abstract Background Currently, we can only speculate on what the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been on medical students and interim foundation year doctors. In order to support them appropriately both now and, in the future, it is imperative that we understand the impact it has had upon them. This study assessed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical students and interim foundation year doctors across the United Kingdom (UK), and the support that they received and sought. Methods A prospective, observational, multicentre study was conducted. All medical students and interim foundation year doctors were eligible to participate. The data analysis was carried out as detailed a priori in the protocol. Findings A total of 2075 individuals participated in the SPICE-19 survey from 33 medical schools. There was a significant (p Discussion Medical and foundation schools need to prepare adequate and effective support. If no action is taken, there may be a knock-on effect on workforce planning and the health of our future workforce. When medical students return to their universities, there is likely to be need for enhanced wellbeing support, adaptations in the short-term and long-term strategies for medical education, and provision of financial guidance.