scholarly journals The Perceived Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Medical Student Education and Training – An International Survey

Author(s):  
Kasun Wanigasooriya ◽  
William Beedham ◽  
Ryan Laloo ◽  
Rama Santhosh Karri ◽  
Adnan Darr ◽  
...  

Abstract Background:The Covid-19 pandemic led to significant changes and disruptions to medical education worldwide. We evaluated medical student perceived views on training, their experiences and changes to teaching methods during the pandemic.MethodsAn online survey of medical students was conducted in the Autumn of 2020. An international network of collaborators facilitated participant recruitment. Students were surveyed on their perceived overall impact of Covid-19 on their training and several exposure variables. Univariate analyses and adjusted multivariable analysis were performed to determine strengths in associations.ResultsA total of 1604 eligible participants from 45 countries took part in this survey and 56.3% (n=860) of these were female. The median age was 21 (Inter Quartile Range:21-23). Nearly half (49.6%, n=796) of medical students were in their clinical years. The majority (n=1356, 84.5%) were residents of a low or middle income country. A total of 1305 (81.4%) participants reported that the Covid-19 pandemic had an overall negative impact on their training. On adjusted analysis, being 21 or younger, females, those reporting a decline in conventional lectures and ward based teaching were more likely to report an overall negative impact on their training (p≤0.001). However, an increase in clinical responsibilities was associated with lower odds of participants reporting a negative impact on training (p<0.001). The participant’s resident nation economy and stage of training were associated with some of the participant training experiences surveyed (p<0.05). ConclusionMedical students reported an overall significant negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their undergraduate training. The efficacy of novel virtual methods of teaching to supplement traditional teaching methods warrants further research.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kasun Wanigasooriya ◽  
William Beedham ◽  
Ryan Laloo ◽  
Rama Santhosh Karri ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The Covid-19 pandemic led to significant changes and disruptions to medical education worldwide. We evaluated medical student perceived views on training, their experiences and changes to teaching methods during the pandemic. Methods An online survey of medical students was conducted in the Autumn of 2020. An international network of collaborators facilitated participant recruitment. Students were surveyed on their perceived overall impact of Covid-19 on their training and several exposure variables. Univariate analyses and adjusted multivariable analysis were performed to determine strengths in associations. Results A total of 1604 eligible participants from 45 countries took part in this survey and 56.3% (n = 860) of these were female. The median age was 21 (Inter Quartile Range:21–23). Nearly half (49.6%, n = 796) of medical students were in their clinical years. The majority (n = 1356, 84.5%) were residents of a low or middle income country. A total of 1305 (81.4%) participants reported that the Covid-19 pandemic had an overall negative impact on their training. On adjusted analysis, being 21 or younger, females, those reporting a decline in conventional lectures and ward based teaching were more likely to report an overall negative impact on their training (p ≤ 0.001). However, an increase in clinical responsibilities was associated with lower odds of participants reporting a negative impact on training (p < 0.001). The participant’s resident nation economy and stage of training were associated with some of the participant training experiences surveyed (p < 0.05). Conclusion An international cohort of medical students reported an overall significant negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their undergraduate training. The efficacy of novel virtual methods of teaching to supplement traditional teaching methods warrants further research.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Castelli ◽  
Dinah Diab ◽  
Alicia Scimeca ◽  
Chintan Mehta ◽  
Nicolette Payne ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The full impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic has yet to be seen, yet medical education has already been critically disrupted. As U.S. hospitals were forced to aggressively limit non-essential care to preserve personal protective equipment and minimize COVID-19 exposure, in-person education and hands-on training was nearly eliminated for students. The objective of this study was to immediately and comprehensively investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical student education. Medical students in the U.S. were invited to complete an online survey about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their medical education experience. Students provided basic demographic information and answered questions about the impact of COVID-19 on their training/education, finances, and mental health. Results: Medical students reported nearly 18 fewer hours of patient care per week, an immediate switch to virtual learning (74%) along with grading changes (62%), and widespread cancellation of national exams. Additionally, 55% of fourth year students graduated early to provide direct clinical care. Students across years felt that changes from the pandemic would negatively affect their residency applications and that upcoming rotations would be impacted (p<0.001). Students reported that the pandemic had negatively affected their finances, increased their anxiety/stress, increased their feelings of burnout, and negatively impacted their work-life balance (p<0.001). Conclusion: Medical education has been critically impacted by COVID-19. Student perceptions and evaluation of experiences to date should be considered as educators prepare to ready students for academic and professional transitions in the context of continued COVID-19 disruptions and distanced learning.


2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariel A. Benson ◽  
Nathaniel Mendelsohn ◽  
Maria Gervits ◽  
Folashade Adeshuko ◽  
Carlo S. Garcia ◽  
...  

PurposeTo assess the opinions of Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Einstein) medical students about U.S. healthcare reformin the context of the 2008 U.S. presidential election through the use of an online survey. The study additionallyevaluates the influences on students’ healthcare opinions and whether there is sufficient instruction given to medicalstudents about healthcare systems.MethodDuring January and February 2009, first-year and second-year (classes of 2011 and 2012) Einstein medical students(n=362) were surveyed about U.S. healthcare using a web-based electronic survey. The survey included questionsabout students’ healthcare views and influences, political views, and education related to healthcare systems.ResultsWith a response rate of 56%, the survey showed that, among Einstein students, the most popular reform to the U.S.healthcare system would be a multipayer system (41%) in which all U.S. citizens would have access to healthcare paidfor by the U.S. government, but could also choose to obtain private insurance. More than 86% of the respondentsfelt that they had not received adequate education in medical school about the U.S. healthcare system. Seventy-fourpercent of respondents supported Barack Obama in the 2008 U.S. presidential election.ConclusionsEinstein students overwhelmingly recognize the need for reform in the U.S. healthcare system, and students are confidentthat, under Barack Obama’s leadership, the number of uninsured American citizens will decrease in the nextfour years. Survey findings also reveal the need for improved medical student education about the U.S. healthcaresystem.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullh AlQhtani ◽  
Nasser AlSwedan ◽  
Abdullelah Almulhim ◽  
Raghad Aladwan ◽  
Yara Alessa ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing have had a significant impact on the conversion of traditional teaching methods to online teaching methods, which although not uncommon in medical schools, has to date only been used for some aspects of the teaching process. Thus, we aimed to measure the effectiveness of e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as medical students’ preferences regarding e-learning and classroom teaching, and the possibility of applying it post-pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of medical students (N = 376) in six medical schools was carried out after their second semester, from August 15 to 20, 2020. Ten parameters were measured for the effectiveness of e-learning based on a 5-point Likert-scale and five parameters were measured for satisfaction. Results e-learning was more or equally effective in four parameters such as assignment submission and meeting individual needs, but less effective in six parameters, including building skills and knowledge, and interaction level. Satisfaction was either high or neutral in all five parameters. Conclusions Our findings have shown that e-learning can assist the teaching process in medical schools in some respects, but cannot be used for the entire teaching process.


2018 ◽  
Vol 108 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Shofler ◽  
Kathryn Bosia ◽  
Lawrence Harkless

Background: The fourth year of podiatric medical school is an important period in the education of the podiatric medical student, a period that consists largely of month-long clerkships. Nonetheless, there has been limited formal study of the quality of learning experiences during this period. Furthermore, there is limited knowledge of how podiatric medical students evaluate residency programs during clerkships. Methods: An online survey was developed and distributed electronically to fourth-year podiatric medical school students. The focus of the survey was the quality of learning experiences during externships, and decision making in ranking residency programs. Results: The most valuable learning experiences during clerkships were interactions with attending physicians, interactions with residents, and general feedback in surgery. Students self-identified that they most improved in the following areas during clerkships: forefoot surgery, clinical podiatry skills, and rearfoot surgery. The areas in which students improved the least were research, pediatrics, and practice management. The three most important factors students considered as they created their rank list were hands-on resident participation in surgical training, the attitude and personality of the residents, and the attitude and personality of the attending physicians. A range of surgical interest was identified among students, and students lacking in surgical interest self-reported less improvement in various surgical topics. Conclusions: The perspectives of fourth-year podiatric medical students are currently an underused resource. Improved understanding can help residency programs improve the quality of associated learning experiences and can make their programs more appealing to potential residency candidates.


Author(s):  
Monika Bilic ◽  
Alim Nagji ◽  
Erich Hanel

Implication statement The COVID-19 pandemic has limited in-person experiences for medical students, especially in situations involving aerosol-generating procedures. We designed a video in situ simulation to orient students to critical steps in COVID-19 intubation algorithms. Small groups of students were paired virtually with facilitators (faculty and residents) and watched a video of an in situ simulation of emergency staff performing a protected intubation, with discussion points appearing on screen at discrete times. The simple design drives engagement, discussion and allows for scheduling flexibility with no risk to the learners. It can be adapted to several different scenarios or levels of training.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-323
Author(s):  
Thomas Flamini ◽  
Natasha R. Matthews ◽  
George S. Castle ◽  
Elliot M. Jones-Williams

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate perceptions towards a career in psychiatry among medical students and psychiatrists and identify how recruitment into the specialty may be improved. Design/methodology/approach This study locally compares medical student and psychiatric doctor responses to a structured online survey and structured interviews with key managerial figures in the Humber NHS Foundation Trust. Findings Comparison across two main areas (pre-decision exposure to psychiatry and reasons for considering a psychiatric career) found that both students and doctors were influenced to make a choice about a career in psychiatry during medical school. Medical students found compatibility with family life to be more important when considering psychiatry, whereas doctors cited content-based reasons as significant pull factors. Stigma and fear of being harmed deterred some students from choosing a career in psychiatry. Structured interview responses reiterated the importance of pre-medical school and undergraduate mentorship in bolstering future recruitment to psychiatry. Practical implications Medical students perceive certain career issues differently to their postgraduate counterparts. Widening the content-based appeal of psychiatry and optimising the medical school experience of the specialty via varied and high-quality placements may be a key step towards tackling the national shortfall in qualified psychiatrists. Originality/value This is the first published study comparing medical student and psychiatric doctor perceptions of a career in psychiatry.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Armour ◽  
Justin Sinclair ◽  
Cecilia H. M. Ng ◽  
Mikayla S. Hyman ◽  
Kenny Lawson ◽  
...  

Abstract Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects a significant number of women worldwide. Internationally, people with endometriosis report significant negative impact across many areas of their life. We aimed to use an online survey using the EndoCost tool to determine if there was any difference in the impact of CPP in those with vs. those without a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis, and if there was any change in diagnostic delay since the introduction of clinical guidelines in 2005. 409 responses were received; 340 with a diagnosis of endometriosis and 69 with no diagnosis. People with CPP, regardless of diagnosis, reported moderate to severe dysmenorrhea and non-cyclical pelvic pain. Dyspareunia was also common. Significant negative impact was reported for social, academic, and sexual/romantic relationships in both cohorts. In the endometriosis cohort there was a mean diagnostic delay of eight years, however there was a reduction in both the diagnostic delay (p < 0.001) and number of doctors seen before diagnosis (p < 0.001) in those presenting more recently. Both endometriosis and CPP have significant negative impact. Whilst there is a decrease in the time to diagnosis, there is an urgent need for improved treatment options and support for women with the disease once the diagnosis is made.


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