Experiences of family and community care physicians and nurse residents in Madrid regarding their training during the COVID-19 pandemic: a photovoice study

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic brought about sudden changes in healthcare demands, requiring additional healthcare professionals and altering the educational landscape for medical and nursing residents. This study aimed to explore the experiences and impact of the pandemic on the training of family and community medicine as well as family and community nursing residents. METHOD: A participatory qualitative study was conducted using the Photovoice methodology. Seven residents in family and community medicine and nursing in the Madrid region were purposively sampled. Participants took photographs and engaged in weekly sessions over five weeks to discuss and analyse their photos, which were grouped into themes and further categorized. Recommendations for institutions and program leaders were developed using an adapted logical framework approach. RESULTS: The average age was 27 years, with 86% being female. Participants captured 96 photographs categorized into five themes (physical and emotional impact; impact on primary care system; hospital care ; social and environmental impact ; and impact on training). Through critical discussions on impact on training-related photos, seven emergent themes were identified: 1) COVID-19 monograph, buried knowledge; 2) Changing roles ; 3) Transition from face-to-face to online delivery format ; 4) Supervision; 5) Tutor as educator and caregiver ; 6) Advocacy ; 7) Family and nursing residents as agents of change. Subsequently, participants formulated seven recommendations that should be considered in similar situations. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges in implementing medical education programs. It has had both formative and professional impacts on medical and nursing residents. These findings can aid in designing coping and educational strategies to navigate exceptional situations such as the one experienced during the pandemic.