Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected older adults and brought about unprecedented challenges to geriatricians. We aimed to evaluate the experiences of early career geriatricians (residents or consultants with up to 10 years of experience) throughout Europe using an online survey.
We obtained 721 responses. Most of the respondents were females (77.8%) and residents in geriatric medicine (54.6%).
The majority (91.4%) were directly involved in the care of patients with COVID-19. The respondents reported moderate levels of anxiety and feelings of being overloaded with work.
The anxiety levels were higher in women than in men. Most of the respondents experienced a feeling of a strong restriction on their private lives and a change in their work routine.
The residents also reported a moderate disruption in their training and research activities. In conclusion, early career geriatricians experienced a major impact of COVID-19 on their professional and private lives.
Key summary pointsAim To assess the experiences of early career geriatricians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings The respondents reported moderate levels of anxiety, work overload, and strong disruption in their work routine and private lives.
Message Many early career geriatricians throughout Europe were involved as frontline workers in the care of older adults with COVID-19, and experienced a major impact on their professional and private lives.