Themes | Descriptions | Subthemes | Example |
Changing and challenging work environment | Most hospitals during COVID-19 have changed their structure, including shifts, administrative staffing for COVID-19 cases, operational changes and so on. These responses detail how COVID-19 has affected the work environment of surgeons. | (1) Dealing with constant change
(2) Increased workload and lack of work–life balance (3) Surgeons struggling with personal protective equipment (PPE) | ‘Reduced capacity for operative surgery’ ‘Changing pattern of work and on call’ ‘Increased work load’ ‘Lack of PPE’ ‘PPE makes it difficult for patients to hear you and see your non-verbal response’ |
Challenges to professional life and development | This theme describes how COVID-19 has affected surgeons’ performance at work and their experience of professional development. | (1) Impact on surgeon’s performance
(2) Impact on surgeon’s development | ‘It is intellectually tiring to make decisions’ ‘Not being able to do my job adequately’ ‘Make me feel tired’ ‘Zero access to any training, either in theatre or clinic’ |
Management of change and loss in personal lives | This theme describes the effects of COVID-19 on surgeons’ lives outside work | (1) Childcare issues (2) Family life/relationship (3) Having to cancel honeymoons/ weddings (4) Reduced leisure opportunities (5) Poor sleep | ‘Children off school—childcare challenges because both of us are key workers and school provision does not have options before and after school care’ ‘Loss of communication with wife’ ‘Wedding, honeymoon and annual leave cancelled’ ‘Travel. The pub is shut and I can’t go on holiday’ ‘Some sleeplessness’ |
Emotional and psychological impacts | This theme describes psychological and emotional conflict during COVID-19 | Fears and anxiety Loss of motivation and feeling bored Low mood Stress and burnout | ‘Fear of bringing virus home and infect(ing) my family and my mother in law with lung cancer’ ‘Increased anxiety about the future’ ‘Often struggle to find motivation’ ‘Boredom’ ‘Very much, started having irritability’ ‘Feeling hopeless’ ‘Very stressful both at home and work’ ‘Burnout’ |