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

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.