scholarly journals Effectiveness and Preparedness of Institutions’ E-learning Method During COVID-19 Pandemic for residents’ medical training in Saudi Arabia: A pilot study

Author(s):  
Basim Alsaywid ◽  
Miltiadis D. Lytras ◽  
Maha Abuzenada ◽  
Hara Lytra ◽  
Abdulrahman Housawi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Under the urgent circumstances of COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutions of an international scale have resorted to online education methods, exclusive or not. Among those, medical institutions are under double pressure, fighting the pandemic’s effects and, at the same time providing efficient clinical training to their residents.Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study design. The survey’s sample included 300 medical students and residents of multiple training levels and specialties, coming from more than 15 different cities of Saudi Arabia. Filling the questionnaire required specific inclusion criteria and all obtained data were secured by Saudi Commission of Health specialty. Main objective was to evaluate the quality of e-learning methods, provided by medical universities.Results: The study found that the frequency of digital education use increased by approximately 61% during the coronavirus crisis, while almost 9 out of 10 residents have used some e-learning platform. It was reported that before the pandemic, participants’ online training was deemed to be rather ineffective, given the rate of 3.65 out of 10. However, despite the increase in e-learning use after COVID-19, many obstacles arose during adaptation process, according to our survey: lectures and training sessions were not conducted as per curriculum (56.33%); both students and instructors’ academic behavior and attitude changed (48.33%); engagement, satisfaction and motivation in class was rated low (5.93, 6.33 & 6.54 out of 10 accordingly), compared to the desired ones. Still, participants accredited e-learning as a potential mandatory tool (77.67%) and pinpointed the qualifications that in their opinion will maximize educational impact. Conclusions: The study concluded that innovative restructuring of online education should be based on defined critical success factors (technical support, content enhancement, pedagogy etc.) and if possible, set priority levels, so that a more permanent e-learning practice is achievable.

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basim Alsaywid ◽  
Miltiadis D. Lytras ◽  
Maha Abuzenada ◽  
Hara Lytra ◽  
Lama Sultan ◽  
...  

Background: Under the urgent circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutions of an international scale have resorted to online education methods, exclusive or not. Among those, medical institutions are under double pressure, fighting the pandemic's effects and, at the same time providing efficient clinical training to their residents. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the preparedness of the educational institutions for the e-learning platform transition for the delivery of medical training and also to evaluate the overall satisfaction level of the participants with their e-learning experience.Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study design. The survey's sample included 300 medical students and residents of multiple training levels and specialties, coming from more than 15 different cities of Saudi Arabia. Filling the questionnaire required specific inclusion criteria and all obtained data were secured by the Saudi Commission of Health specialty. The main objective was to evaluate the quality of e-learning methods provided by medical universities. For the collection of the data, Survey Monkey software was used and the analysis was conducted with SPSS.Results: The study found that the frequency of digital education use increased by ~61% during the coronavirus crisis, while almost 9 out of 10 residents have used some e-learning platform. It was reported that before the pandemic, participants' online training was deemed to be rather ineffective, given the rate of 3.65 out of 10. However, despite the increase in e-learning use after COVID-19, many obstacles arose duringcthe adaptation process. According to our survey: lectures and training sessions were not conducted as per the curriculum (56.33%); both students and instructors' academic behavior and attitude changed (48.33%); engagement, satisfaction, and motivation in class were rated low (5.93, 6.33, and 6.54 out of 10 accordingly), compared to the desired ones. Still, participants accredited e-learning as a potential mandatory tool (77.67%) and pinpointed the qualifications that in their opinion will maximize educational impact.Conclusion: The study concluded that innovative restructuring of online education should be based on defined critical success factors (technical support, content enhancement, pedagogy etc.) and if possible, set priority levels, so that a more permanent e-learning practice is achievable. Also our study confirmed that students were overall satisfied with the e-learning support of the training method.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zohar Mor ◽  
Adam Cadesky ◽  
Ran Halleluyan ◽  
Rivka Sheffer

Abstract Background: Undocumented migration to developed countries poses practical concerns, as migrants are not medically insured. This cross-sectional study aims to appraise the attitudes of Israeli medical students towards the uninsured migrant population. Methods: Participants from five medical schools in Israel completed anonymous questionnaires in Hebrew, based on the "Medical Students’ Attitudes Toward the Underserved" (MSATU), which assessed students' attitudes regarding the professional responsibility and societal expectations towards the migrants. It also evaluated students' views of the migrants as eligible for expensive medical procedures. Results: A total of 891 students completed the survey with a median age of 28 years. The majority were Jews (N=816, 91.6%) and singles (N=681, 68.5%). Participants in the pre-clinical years were likely to be female and unmarried compared to those in clinical training. They also demonstrated higher scores on professional responsibilities and societal expectations than students in clinical training, but no significant differences were found in their views on expensive medical services. Students of minorities (non-Jews and migrants) scored higher on professional responsibilities and societal expectations. The scores for professional responsibilities and societal expectations decreased as students progressed in their medical training (Spearman coefficient p=0.04 and p=0.01, respectively). This trend was more apparent in males rather than females. Conclusion: MSATU scores declined as students progressed through medical school, with females maintaining more favorable attitudes than males. Medical schools should attempt to maintain the enthusiasm and idealism that students possess as they enter medical training and provide clinical experience with migrant populations that allows for cross-cultural communication.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 3322-3326
Author(s):  
Mohammed Abuhassna ◽  
Oubada Sulaiman ◽  
Nawaf Alotaibi ◽  
Khalid Alanazi ◽  
Faten Alshahrani ◽  
...  

Background: Bleaching is considered the most conservative and cost-effective aesthetic procedure. Vital and non-vital bleaching techniques commonly involve at-home, in-office, and over-the-counter techniques and can be internal (within the pulp chamber) or external (on the enamel surface). Aim: To assess the attitudes of clinical dental students towards the various aspects of tooth bleaching in Saudi Arabia Design and settings: This is an observational cross-sectional study that was carried out across different universities in Saudi Arabia. The study’s questionnaire consisted of questions regarding the demographics and knowledge of dental bleaching procedures, techniques, and materials. Results: A total of 674 dental students and interns from 14 different governmental and private dental colleges in Saudi Arabia completed the survey. The majority of participants were females, 461 (68.4%), attended governmental universities, 396 (58.8%), and did not use any bleaching techniques (62.8%). Dental interns had a higher level of knowledge (42%) followed by 5th-year students (33.7%), and 6th-year students (22.9%). Furthermore, participants who practiced tooth bleaching during clinical training and private universities’ students showed a significantly better bleaching knowledge Conclusion: Overall, dental schools should be encouraging their students to be involved in bleaching application. Additionally, there is a pressing need to focus more on dental bleaching material and procedures in dental school. Keywords: Tooth Bleaching, Dental Students, Bleaching Techniques.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zohar Mor ◽  
Adam Cadesky ◽  
Ran Halleluyan ◽  
Rivka Sheffer

Abstract Background: Undocumented migration to developed countries poses practical concerns, as migrants are not medically insured. This cross-sectional study aims to appraise the attitudes of Israeli medical students towards the uninsured migrant population. Methods: Participants from five medical schools in Israel completed anonymous questionnaires in Hebrew, based on the "Medical Students’ Attitudes Toward the Underserved" (MSATU), which assessed students' attitudes regarding the professional responsibility and societal expectations towards the migrants. It also evaluated students' views of the migrants as eligible for expensive medical procedures. Results: A total of 891 students completed the survey with a median age of 28 years. The majority were Jews (N=816, 91.6%) and singles (N=681, 68.5%). Participants in the pre-clinical years were likely to be female and unmarried compared to those in clinical training. They also demonstrated higher scores on professional responsibilities and societal expectations than students in clinical training, but no significant differences were found in their views on expensive medical services. Students of minorities (non-Jews and migrants) scored higher on professional responsibilities and societal expectations. The scores for professional responsibilities and societal expectations decreased as students progressed in their medical training (Spearman coefficient p=0.04 and p=0.01, respectively). This trend was more apparent in males rather than females. Conclusion: MSATU scores declined as students progressed through medical school, with females maintaining more favorable attitudes than males. Medical schools should attempt to maintain the enthusiasm and idealism that students possess as they enter medical training and provide clinical experience with migrant populations that allows for cross-cultural communication.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 937-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhan Alshammari ◽  
Jonas Preposi Cruz ◽  
Nahed Alquwez ◽  
Joseph Almazan ◽  
Fatmah Alsolami ◽  
...  

Introduction: Nursing students are susceptible to healthcare-associated infections because of their direct patient interactions during their clinical training. Hence, compliance with standard precautions (SPs) is paramount during their clinical exposure and training. This study investigated the compliance with SPs and its predictors among Saudi nursing students from six universities. Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in six government universities in Saudi Arabia. A convenience sample of 829 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students was surveyed using the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out to analyze the data. Results: The overall compliance rate of the respondents was 60.1% with a mean score of 12.02 (SD = 4.50). The students reported highest compliance on covering the mouth and nose when wearing a mask, while the lowest compliance was on disposing sharps box before it is full. The university, academic year level, and attendance to infection prevention and control training or seminar in the last six months were identified as significant predictors of the students’ compliance with SPs. Conclusions: The findings provide valuable insights and guidance for improving the practice of SPs among future nurses, which could result in the reduction of infection exposure and its transmission rates among future nurses in clinical settings.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salma S. Al Sharhan ◽  
Mohammed H. Al Bar ◽  
Abdulmalik S. AlSaied ◽  
Abdulaziz S. ALEnazi ◽  
Hussain J. Aljubran ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: As a consequence of the COVID-19 global pandemic, otolaryngology residents are at high risk due to the nature of the specialty and long work hours. Moreover, COVID-19 could have a severe impact on residents from different frontline specialties, particularly otolaryngology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first nationwide survey providing insights into the impact of COVID-19 on otolaryngology residents.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among all otolaryngology training centers of Saudi Arabia to investigate the extent of the impact of COVID-19 on otolaryngology residents and the learning process.Results: A total of 152 residents were contacted to participate in the study, and 101 participants were included after successfully completing the questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 28.12 years (S.D. = 1.89, max = 36, min = 25). There has been a significant impact on outpatient clinics, elective operations, consultations, and working hours. Also, we evaluated the impact on academic training activities, the frequency of training activities per week, and the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on otolaryngology residents as well.Conclusion: COVID-19 has had a serious impact on residents both physically and mentally; otolaryngology residents have been hit especially hard by this emergency pandemic period. Trainees suffered from excessive worries regarding clinical training, specifically academic concerns for different training levels. Further studies need to be done here in Saudi Arabia to evaluate this impact in greater detail and to protect the residents.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Al Saeed ◽  
Mohanna Aljindan ◽  
Saad AlEnezi ◽  
Fahad Alwadani ◽  
Adi Al Owaifeer

Abstract Background Research sets the foundation for evidence-based practice in medicine. Globally resident doctors in various specialties are facing major obstacles to accomplish high quality research projects. Understanding these obstacles may help residents achieve their maximum research potential. This current study was undertaken to document the experience, attitude, and perceived barriers toward research among Saudi ophthalmology residents.Methods A specific questionnaire was developed and validated for the purpose of this study. The questionnaire was distributed online via email to actively enrolled residents in all five ophthalmology training programs in Saudi Arabia. Result Out of a total number of 193 ophthalmology residents in all five training programs, 147 responded to the questionnaire yielding a 76.1% response rate the mean age of participants was 27.6 ±1.8 and the number of males and females was almost equal. The vast majority [96.4%] have worked on at least one research project before starting residency training. Involvement was mainly in the phases of concept and design [72.5%], proposal preparation [85.9%], the three most frequent obstacles to conducting research projects for trainees were burden of other activities [4.27], lack of protected time for research [4.11] and too many regulations in obtaining ethical approval [3.67].Conclusion Our current study shows that ophthalmology residents understand the importance of clinical research, but they are facing a considerable number of barriers toward accomplishing high-quality research projects. Findings of our study may help program directors to address these barriers and improve the incorporation of research along with clinical training in residency curricula.


10.28945/3865 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 339-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Miranda ◽  
Pedro Isaias ◽  
Carlos J Costa ◽  
Sara Pifano

Aim/Purpose: As e-Learning 3.0 evolves from a theoretical construct into an actual solution for online learning, it becomes crucial to accompany this progress by scrutinising the elements that are at the origin of its success. Background: This paper outlines a framework of e-Learning 3.0’s critical success factors and its empirical validation. Methodology: The framework is the result of an extensive literature review and its empirical substantiation derives from semi-structured interviews with e-Learning experts. Contribution: The viewpoints of the experts enable the confirmation and the refinement of the original framework and serve as a foundation for the prospective implementation of e-Learning 3.0. Findings: The analysis of the interviews demonstrates that e-Learning 3.0 remains in its early stages with a reticent dissemination. Nonetheless, the interviewees invoked factors related to technology, content and stakeholders as being critical for the success of this new phase of e-Learning. Recommendations for Practitioners: Practitioners can use the framework as a guide for promoting and implementing effective e-Learning 3.0 initiatives. Recommendation for Researchers: As a new phenomenon with uncharted potential, e-Learning 3.0 should be placed at the centre of educational research. Impact on Society: The understanding of what drives the success of e-Learning 3.0 is fundamental for its implementation and for the progress of online education in this new stage of its evolution. Future Research: Future research ventures can include the design of quantitative and self-administered data collection instruments that can provide further insight into the elements of the framework.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mosammat Kohinoor Parveen ◽  
Md Jafrul Hannan ◽  
Muhammad Hashim Ghouri ◽  
Wardah Anwar ◽  
Muhammad Arif ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: COVID-19 has highly impacted the education system and has created trends in online classes. To fill in the gap created by lockdown and to continue the uninterrupted learning process, educational institutions worldwide started organizing online classes. Although medical education is mostly practical, it is not safe to conduct on campus classes. This study aimed to measure the scope and limitations of online education and the overall impact of COVID-19 on the medical education system.Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the South Point Hospital. Informed consent was obtained. Self-administered questionnaires were administered to participants.Results: E-Learning opportunities were made available in 98.69% of cases; some student forums also participated. Among survey respondents, females predominated (57.39%), and 42% of respondents belonged to rural areas and small towns. Access and quality of internet during online classes was average to poor in 54%, and only 10% said it was good. Zoom was the platform for classes in 98% of situations, followed by Facebook live (41.05%), prerecorded video upload, YouTube link, etc. Sixty percent graded the quality of online classes as good, 10% excellent, and 5% bad. Approximately 43% of the participants evaluated online assessments as good. Of the respondents, 17% faced substantial stress, and 18% did not. Twenty-eight percent of the students faced huge mental stress during COVID-19.Conclusions: E-learning is a new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the opportunity, medical students benefited greatly, but there was a technological divide. There were also financial and mental stresses to a certain extent.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document