Role and perception of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases trainees during the COVID-19 crisis.

To evaluate the role and perceptions of trainees during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was designed to provide an insight into the significance of the COVID-19 pandemic on working conditions of infectious diseases and clinical microbiology trainees. The main roles of trainees included management of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 (55%), research (53%) and diagnostic procedures (43%). The majority (82%) of trainees felt useful in managing the crisis. However, more than two-thirds felt more stressed and more tired compared with other rotations. Only 39% of the participants had access to psychological support. Due to the significant impact of the pandemic on infectious diseases and clinical microbiology trainees, further research should focus on their health and welfare in the post-pandemic period.