About this project

The College recognises that the COVID-19 pandemic will have lasting implications and will be of interest to future medical professionals and researchers.

We are asking for volunteers from all areas of healthcare - doctors, nurses, laboratory workers, psychiatrists etc - to share their experiences of the impact of COVID-19 on their work both directly, in the context of treating patients, and also any indirect impact.

Diaries and other material

You can submit material in either paper or electronic form. They can be recorded thoughts, ideas, photographs, drawings, press cuttings, letters, audio or video recordings, diaries and so on. There is no restriction on the format of the material you submit or the quantity.

When you send us material, please also include: your name, your medical specialty and your location (both country and city).

If you would like the material to be restricted from public access please also let us know.

And, most importantly, please do not include any information relating to patients which can identify them.

When?

You can send us material as you go along (daily, weekly etc.) or compile material and send it to us after a number of months. Whatever approach suits you best.

How?

If you would like to participate please email Daisy Cunynghame (d.cunynghame@rcpe.ac.uk (link sends e-mail)).

Tips

Some tips if you are planning on contributing are listed below.

Audio and video: When you are making an audio or video recording state clearly at the beginning of the recording the date, your name and the geographical location where you are.
Diary: Keep a diary every day if possible. Ensure each diary entry is dated. Avoid writing in shorthand. Consider what will or will not be understandable in 6 months or 1 year (e.g. 'after what happened today in X region', will people know what you are referring to? If not, briefly explain). Record the mundane as well as the large events. Don't revise or rewrite entries after the fact - it is better to record how it was in the moment rather than with hindsight.
Photographs: Always ensure you give photographs meaningful names and record the date and place they were taken.

Ideas

If you are stuck for ideas as to what to record some suggestions are listed below that you could address.

What (approximate) number of hours did you previously work? Are you working significantly more hours and if so how many?
What sources are you relying on for accurate information about the pandemic?
In what ways has the pandemic impacted on your working practices?
Are there any particular shortages you are experiencing of medicines or equipment? If so, what are they?
What impact have recent events had on your health and wellbeing?
What are you doing to keep yourself calm / healthy and to relax?
What do you think of your government's response to the pandemic?
'A Day in the Life', i.e. record everything you did one day - what time you began work, when you finished, when your breaks were and how long they lasted, how many patients you treated, any issues or problems you faced.

Interviews

The College is carrying out remote interviews with volunteers from all areas of healthcare. The purpose of these interviews is to capture as full an understanding as possible of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the professional and personal lives of medical professionals. Participation in these interviews with the College will help to ensure that the experiences of healthcare workers during this pivotal period in history are captured for future generations.  

To register your interest in participating in an interview, or for further information, please email Daisy Cunynghame (d.cunynghame@rcpe.ac.uk (link sends e-mail)).