# Experiences of residents of the San Ignacio University Hospital in Bogotá DC, Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

## TL;DR

This study explores the experiences of medical residents in Colombia during the pandemic, highlighting challenges and emotional impacts.

## Contribution

The study provides qualitative insights into the unique challenges faced by medical residents during the pandemic in Colombia.

## Key findings

- Residents faced increased workload and emotional stress due to the health crisis.
- Learning tools were limited, and tensions in work and social interactions rose.
- The study recommends reforms to the residency program to support well-being and mental health.

## Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major health crisis around the world. Health
professionals have contributed with all their abilities to provide adequate
medical care in a scenario of great uncertainty and with many difficulties. The
objective of this article is to investigate the experiences narrated by the
residents of the San Ignacio University Hospital, in Bogotá DC, Colombia,
during the pandemic. A qualitative study was carried out in which 15 in-depth
interviews were conducted with residents of different medical specialties, which
allowed us to explore the difficulties, challenges, opportunities, and
capacities they have faced during the pandemic. Through a thematic analysis, the
following categories were identified: “Working with COVID-19”, “Building
relationships”, “Learning during a pandemic”, and “How did residents feel?”. We
found an increase in workload, limitations in the learning tools, overwhelming
feelings and augmented tensions in work and social interactions, all this due to
the health system in crisis, the prioritization systems implemented, as well as
the increase in the number of deaths despite the effort to preserve life. As a
recommendation, we propose a reform to the Colombian residency program, with
main emphasis on the academics and a greater recognition of the work they do, as
well as providing them with tools that helps them manage their emotions for the
maintenance of their well-being and mental health.