The pandemic has caused a delay in the incorporation of medical residents into the Spanish healthcare system. The residents, known as MIRs, typically begin their training in May but due to the pandemic, the 2020 batch did not start until September. This delay means that the new batch of MIRs will not be available to cover the summer needs of the health system, according to a report from the Collegiate Medical Organization (OMC).
The OMC is urging health services to think about a strategy for the summer in light of this upcoming shortage. The pandemic not only affected care but also disrupted training. The delay in the MIR class of 2020 joining their placements will have significant implications for staffing in the upcoming summer months, especially in primary care.
The delay in the training of new doctors has raised concerns about the system’s ability to cope with increasing patient needs. The situation becomes even more critical considering that a significant number of MIRs finish their training this year, and several others complete their residency over the next few years.
The report also highlights the potential consequences of not having enough trained specialists available to cover staff vacations or to reinforce areas experiencing an increase in population due to tourism.
The document emphasizes that urgent action is needed to address the potential shortage. According to the report, both the current class and future classes of residents will face challenges due to the delayed start of their training.
The legalities of utilizing residents as specialists before they have completed their training are also addressed in the report. It emphasizes that the legislation regarding changes in the training itinerary is clear and that healthcare needs cannot be used as a reason to end the residency period of a resident doctor ahead of schedule.
The report calls for the healthcare system to respect the timeframes established in the training programs of different specialties and to implement necessary measures to address foreseeable challenges.
In conclusion, the report highlights the need for proactive planning and coordination between different health services to ensure that the training and deployment of new doctors align with the country’s healthcare needs. However, the report also identifies a trend of maintaining a passive attitude towards human resource planning in healthcare, which could have negative long-term consequences.