scholarly journals Perceptions of medical students towards online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national cross-sectional survey of 2721 UK medical students

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e042378
Author(s):  
Samiullah Dost ◽  
Aleena Hossain ◽  
Mai Shehab ◽  
Aida Abdelwahed ◽  
Lana Al-Nusair
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Learning Platforms

ObjectivesTo investigate perceptions of medical students on the role of online teaching in facilitating medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignCross-sectional, online national survey.SettingResponses collected online from 4th May 2020 to 11th May 2020 across 40 UK medical schools.ParticipantsMedical students across all years from UK-registered medical schools.Main outcome measuresThe uses, experiences, perceived benefits and barriers of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results2721 medical students across 39 medical schools responded. Medical schools adapted to the pandemic in different ways. The changes included the development of new distance-learning platforms on which content was released, remote delivery of lectures using platforms and the use of question banks and other online active recall resources. A significant difference was found between time spent on online platforms before and during COVID-19, with 7.35% students before versus 23.56% students during the pandemic spending >15 hours per week (p<0.05). The greatest perceived benefits of online teaching platforms included their flexibility. Whereas the commonly perceived barriers to using online teaching platforms included family distraction (26.76%) and poor internet connection (21.53%).ConclusionsOnline teaching has enabled the continuation of medical education during these unprecedented times. Moving forward from this pandemic, in order to maximise the benefits of both face-to-face and online teaching and to improve the efficacy of medical education in the future, we suggest medical schools resort to teaching formats such as team-based/problem-based learning. This uses online teaching platforms allowing students to digest information in their own time but also allows students to then constructively discuss this material with peers. It has also been shown to be effective in terms of achieving learning outcomes. Beyond COVID-19, we anticipate further incorporation of online teaching methods within traditional medical education. This may accompany the observed shift in medical practice towards virtual consultations.

scholarly journals How COVID-19 kick-started online learning in medical education—The DigiMed study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257394
Author(s):  
Fabian Stoehr ◽  
Lukas Müller ◽  
Adrian Brady ◽  
Antoni Trilla ◽  
Aline Mähringer-Kunz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Students Attitudes

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to far-reaching restrictions of social and professional life, affecting societies all over the world. To contain the virus, medical schools had to restructure their curriculum by switching to online learning. However, only few medical schools had implemented such novel learning concepts. We aimed to evaluate students’ attitudes to online learning to provide a broad scientific basis to guide future development of medical education. Methods Overall, 3286 medical students from 12 different countries participated in this cross-sectional, web-based study investigating various aspects of online learning in medical education. On a 7-point Likert scale, participants rated the online learning situation during the pandemic at their medical schools, technical and social aspects, and the current and future role of online learning in medical education. Results The majority of medical schools managed the rapid switch to online learning (78%) and most students were satisfied with the quantity (67%) and quality (62%) of the courses. Online learning provided greater flexibility (84%) and led to unchanged or even higher attendance of courses (70%). Possible downsides included motivational problems (42%), insufficient possibilities for interaction with fellow students (67%) and thus the risk of social isolation (64%). The vast majority felt comfortable using the software solutions (80%). Most were convinced that medical education lags behind current capabilities regarding online learning (78%) and estimated the proportion of online learning before the pandemic at only 14%. In order to improve the current curriculum, they wish for a more balanced ratio with at least 40% of online teaching compared to on-site teaching. Conclusion This study demonstrates the positive attitude of medical students towards online learning. Furthermore, it reveals a considerable discrepancy between what students demand and what the curriculum offers. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic might be the long-awaited catalyst for a new “online era” in medical education.

scholarly journals Career Intentions and Dropout Causes Among Medical Students in Kazakhstan

Medicina ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Kamila Faizullina ◽  
Galina Kausova ◽  
Zhanna Kalmataeva ◽  
Ardak Nurbakyt ◽  
Saule Buzdaeva
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Human Resources For Health ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Unequal Distribution ◽  
Survey Tool

Background and Objective. The number of new entrants to higher medical schools of Kazakhstan increased by 1.6 times from 2007 to 2012. However, it is not known how it will affect the shortage of human resources for health. Additionally, human resources for health in rural areas of Kazakhstan are 4 times scarcer than in urban areas. The aim of the present study was to investigate the intentions of students toward their professional future and readiness to work in rural areas, as well as to determine the causes for dropping out from medical schools. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2 medical universities in Almaty during the academic year 2011–2012. The study sample included medical students and interns. In total, 2388 students participated in the survey. The survey tool was an anonymous questionnaire. Results. The students of the first years of studies compared with those of later years of studies were more optimistic about the profession and had more intentions to work in the medical field. Only 8% of the students reported a wish to work in rural localities. On the other hand, 4% of the students did not plan to pursue the profession. On the average, every third medical student dropped out on his/her own request. Conclusions. Associations between intentions to work according to the profession and the year of studies, faculty, and residence area before enrolling in a medical school were documented. The majority of the students who came from rural areas preferred to stay and look for work in a city, which might contribute to an unequal distribution of physicians across the country.

scholarly journals Prevalence of somatic symptoms amongst undergraduate medical students of Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 5106
Author(s):  
Shaikh Arshiya Kaiser Husain ◽  
Anwaya R. Magare ◽  
Purushottam A. Giri ◽  
Vijaykumar S. Jadhav
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Negative Effect

Background: The aim of medical education is to produce competent, physically and mentally strong health professionals, as they are going to be the pillars of the future health care system. Stress is one of the most common and process-oriented obstacles in medical education. It often exerts a negative effect on the academic performance, physical health, and psychological well-being of the students. Dealing with overloaded medical curriculum, competing with peers, being away from home and meeting high expectations imposed by parents and society to excel is among the common stressful transitions at this stage.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out amongst 352 undergraduate medical students of a private medical college in a rural area of Maharashtra during April to October 2019. The structured questionnaire was used to record the data. Collected data was used to assess the severity of mental health issues among medical students.Results: Majority 194 (55.11%) students were in the age of 18 to 20 years followed by 141 (40.06%) were in 21 to 23 years. There were 196 (55.68%) girl students and 156 (44.32%) boys. According to the various categories, 80 (22.73%) of the students had low stress scores, followed by 76 (21.59%) in minimal. A highly significant difference in stress scores was seen between boys and girls, which was more in boys.Conclusions: Study concluded that undergraduate medical students perceive minimal to very high stress presented as various systems that vary with the year of study and gender wise too. There is a further need to look into the various causes of stress.

Does Teaching Clinical Ethics to Medical Students Improve Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Medical Ethics Among Clinicians? An Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Nepal.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmina Shrestha ◽  
Jasmin Joshi ◽  
Ashma Shrestha ◽  
Shuvechchha Karki ◽  
Sajan Acharya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Ethics ◽  
Clinical Ethics ◽  
Core Curriculum ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background: The importance of doctors being aware of medical ethics has been highlighted in a number of studies. Our first study (Study-1) aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of medical ethics among clinicians at Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS). We then follow up with the effect of teaching clinical ethics to medical students (Study-2). The purpose of this study is to assess the awareness regarding appropriate ethical principles, application of medical ethics and the effect of teaching medical ethics to students. Methods: There are two studies presented: Study-1 is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. A total of 72 participants, selected by simple random sampling, included doctors working as interns, medical officers and consultants in six departments of PAHS. Study-2 was a follow-up, cross-sectional online questionnaire-based comparative study conducted at PAHS to compare KAP of medical ethics among medical officers with and without formal medical ethics training. We used the validated questionnaire from our previous study. All graduates of PAHS 2016 and all medical officers employed at PAHS at the time of study who had graduated from other medical schools that did not include Medical Ethics in their core curriculum were included. Results: Study-1: A positive correlation between Knowledge(p = 0.088), Attitude (p = 0.002), Practice of medical ethics(p = 0.000), and years of practice was found. No significant difference in KAP of medical ethics between MBBS graduates from Nepal and abroad (p = 0.190) was found. The majority scored poorly in issues concerning autonomy. The follow-up study found a statistically significant difference (p = 0.000) in the knowledge between the doctors who were taught medical ethics and those who were not. Conclusions: Doctors find it easier to discuss ethical dilemmas with their colleagues rather than department heads. The KAP of the consultants were found to be better than that of the interns and medical officers. Autonomy is the least understood ethical principle. ‘Medical Ethics’ as a part of the core curriculum in medical schools would improve ethical practice.

scholarly journals Online Learning Resources Enhanced Teaching and Learning of Medical Mycology among Medical Students in Gulu University, Uganda

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Bongomin ◽  
Bernard Erima ◽  
Richard Kwizera ◽  
Emmanuel I. Odongo-Aginya
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Fungal Diseases ◽  
Medical Mycology ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Significant Difference

Background. The burden of serious fungal diseases has significantly increased in the past few decades; however, the number of health-care workers with expertise in the management of fungal diseases remains low, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to evaluate the use of freely available online teaching material to enhance teaching and learning of medical mycology among medical students in Gulu University Medical School, Uganda. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study among second year medical students undertaking Medical Mycology course on antifungal agents in the department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology in the academic year 2017-2018. The materials were synthesized and peer-reviewed by experts in fungal diseases and were made freely available on the Leading International Fungal Education website (http://www.LIFE-Worldwide.org). A local faculty in the department delivered the lectures, and pre- and posttest scores were evaluated statistically. Results. Sixty medical students participated in the study of which 78% were male. The average score was 41% for the pretest and 52% for the posttest (p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the scores of males and females. Majority of the students gave an above-average rating for the course material; however, 54% preferred prerecorded videos. Conclusion. Using freely available online materials on medical mycology can enhance teaching and learning of medical mycology. Because of this, there is need to incorporate up-to-date information about the subject into the curriculums of medical schools especially in LMICs.

scholarly journals Neurophobia: How Do Sudanese Medical Students Perceive Neurology- A Cross-sectional Study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiba A. A. Ali ◽  
Mohamed Alebeed ◽  
Yousuf Hasan Yousuf Bakhit
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Large Contribution ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Third ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background: The fear of neuroscience by medical students is a global issue known as neurophobia which has been detected in medical schools from both developing and developed countries. It may contribute to the decreased number of neurologists that is already found to be low globally and augment the growing burden of neurological disorders. This study aimed to evaluate this issue among Sudanese medical students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students from 8 medical schools using an online form questionnaire and responses were collected. Results: A total of 338 responses with 90.4% response rate were collected. Neurology was reported as the most difficult subject to learn (mean ± SD = 3.88 ± 0.90)(P< .01),the second least subject in drawing up differential diagnosis(3.32 ± 1.07) )(P =.000), the third least regarding confidence in clinical examination (3.23 ± 1.24)(P =.000),the third poorest quality of teaching (3.12 ± 1.26)(P =.000), and the third favorite subject as a career option (3.41 ± 1.4)(P > .004).Neuroanatomy was the biggest contributor to the difficulty of neurology (have a very large or large contribution by 51.5% of students) and More/Improved peer discussions were the most factor that could improve neurology teaching (mean ± SD = 3.47 ± 1.39). students perceive a career in neurology to be associated with good travel and research opportunities and poor job satisfaction and work/life balance. ability to make a significant difference in a patient’s life was the most factor encouraging students to chase a career in neurology (21.6%of students) and job satisfaction was the most discouraging factor (20.7%). On performing logistic regression, caring for a friend or relative suffering from neurological disease and increased confidence in knowing exactly what neurologists do were found to have a significant effect on increasing the possibility of pursuing a career in neurology (P =.01 and P< .005 respectively).Conclusion: Students’ perception of neurology is almost the same worldwide and didn’t change over decades in contrast to the growing burden of neurological diseases and population aging. So, a lot of work should be done globally to investigate and manage this issue.

scholarly journals Medical Students’ Attitudes Towards Cardiothoracic Surgery in the United Kingdom: A Cross-Sectional Survey of 1675 Students

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 238212052110727
Author(s):  
Samiullah Dost ◽  
Lana Al-Nusair ◽  
Mai Shehab ◽  
Arwa Hagana ◽  
Aleena Hossain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Extracurricular Activities ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Cardiothoracic Surgery ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Survey Responses

Objectives The objectives of this study were the following: (i) assess interest levels in cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) among UK-based medical students, (ii) identify potential motivators and barriers to pursuing CTS training, (iii) explore the influence of gender on interest in CTS in greater depth. Methods Medical students from all year groups across UK medical schools were invited to participate in a cross-sectional, national online survey. Responses were collected from 02/12/2019 to 08/12/2019. Results 1675 medical students from 31 UK medical schools responded, with an estimated 5.3% response rate. Of the respondents, 33.7% respondents reported having exposure to CTS, primarily through their medical school or through extracurricular activities (48.4% and 38.8%, respectively). When assessing interest in CTS, 31.4% were interested in undertaking a career in CTS, with a larger proportion of students expressing interest with no exposure to CTS than those with exposure. However, interest in pursuing CTS decreased with exposure as medical students transitioned from pre-clinical to clinical stages. Additionally, male participants were more interested in seeking a CTS post than their female counterparts (38% vs. 27.6%). The length of training ( p = 0.0009) and competitive nature ( p < 0.0001) of gaining a CTS post were the primary deterring factor for female participants, compared to their male counterparts. Conclusions This study shows the importance of quality of exposure and its impact on students’ interests in pursuing a career in CTS. The negative relationship between exposure and interest in CTS can be associated with the realisation of the challenges that come with pursuing CTS.

scholarly journals COVIDReady2 Study Protocol: Cross-sectional Survey of Medical Student Volunteering and Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew H V Byrne ◽  
James Ashcroft ◽  
Laith Alexander ◽  
Jonathan C M Wan ◽  
Anmol Arora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Clinical Support ◽  
Qualitative Responses ◽  
Education Opportunity

Background and objectives: Covid-19 has led to global disruption of healthcare. Many students volunteered to provide clinical support. Volunteering to work in a clinical capacity was a unique medical education opportunity; however, it is unknown whether this was a positive learning experience or which volunteering roles were of most benefit to students. Methods and Design: The COVIDReady2 study is a national cross-sectional study of all medical students at UK medical schools. The primary outcome is to explore the experiences of medical students who volunteered during the pandemic in comparison to those who did not. We will compare responses to determine the educational benefit and issues they faced. In addition to quantitative analysis, thematic analysis will be used to identify themes in qualitative responses. Discussion: There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that service roles have potential to enhance medical education; yet, there is a shortage of studies able to offer practical advice for how these roles may be incorporated in future medical education. We anticipate that this study will help to identify volunteer structures that have been beneficial for students, so that similar infrastructures can be used in the future, and help inform medical education in a non-pandemic setting.

scholarly journals Medical students' perception of live lectures compared to video lectures in basic sciences medical education: a cross-sectional survey of medical colleges in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Khan ◽  
Ali Bin Abdul Jabbar ◽  
Daniyal Ali Khan ◽  
Muhammad Abdullah Javed ◽  
Mohummad Hassan Raza Raja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Teaching Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Learning Modalities ◽  
Exam Preparation ◽  
Video Lectures ◽  
Medical Colleges

Background: Live lectures are commonly used in medical education, yet many students prefer video lectures instead. As different learning modalities may affect knowledge, it was necessary to explore medical students' perspectives about the two learning modalities in Pakistan. Objectives: This study aimed to explore and compare the medical students' perspectives regarding live lectures and video lectures. Methods: This cross-sectional study used an online questionnaire. This was distributed to medical students via internet platforms after institutional approval. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 23 using descriptive statistics. Results: 585 students, from 11 medical colleges across six cities of Pakistan, were enrolled. 64.4% (n=377) of the students were females, while 34.0% (n=199) were males. The first years comprised 32.7% (n=191), second years, 29.2% (n=171), and third years, 38.1% (n=223) of the total. The commonest reason for attending live lectures was 'they are compulsory'. The commonest reason for not attending was 'poor teaching quality'. 5.0% (n=29) of 585 students reported live lectures and 51.8% (n=290 of 560) found video lectures to be 'very helpful' in concept clarification. 85.1% (n=258) of 303 students found video lectures more effective for learning. For 45.4% (n=254) of students, video lectures improved their grades a lot; more students used video lectures for exam preparation over the years. 50.6% (n=296) of students wanted video lectures to be compulsory, compared with 28.5% (n=167) for live lectures. The main improvement in live lectures was not using slides. Conclusion: Medical students in Pakistan prefer video lectures over live lectures for learning and exam preparation. More students wanted video lectures to be compulsory in medical education. Several improvements have been suggested for live lectures.

scholarly journals Perceptions of medical college academics on intercalated MBBS/BSc dual degree program in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-91
Author(s):  
Kani Yamuna Aminu ◽  
Usman Ahmad ◽  
Rehinat Nasir Adejumo
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Degree Program ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Degree Programme ◽  
Medical Degree ◽  
Dual Degree ◽  
Medical Colleges

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of academics on the acceptability of the intercalated medical degree program in an attempt to proffer solutions to breach the gaps in manpower shortages in the medical profession.Methodology: This is a descriptive cross sectional survey. Randomly selected 150 academic staff of various medical colleges spread across Nigeria, who attended an educational programme in Abuja Nigeria in September 2018 completed semi structured questionnaires after consenting to participate in the study. Data from the retrieved questionnaires were collated, entered into Microsoft excel and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Most of the analyzed data were represented in percentages for ease of comparison.Findings: Sixty five percent of the respondents were aware of the intercalated (dual) Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)/ Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree programme, offer it in their institutions and believe it is worthwhile. The merits of the dual degree programme from this study were an additional degree, more experienced medical doctors in terms of research and exit strategy for some medical students who may change their minds half way into the medical programme. The disadvantages reported were prolonged study period and increased cost of study.  Majority of the respondents, who were academic staff of medical colleges were aware of, and favoured the establishment of intercalated MBBS degree programme in more Nigerian medical colleges.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: There is scarcity of literature on the intercalated degree programme in Nigeria. This research may influence policy change that will improve medical education. From the results of the study, it is recommended that the stakeholders in medical education should consider giving accreditation to more medical colleges that have the capacity to commence intercalated medical degree programs in Nigerian Universities as an option to interested medical students with good potentials.

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