Cardiovascular fellow-in-training feedback on virtual and simulator-based learning experience during Covid-19 pandemic in a low to middle income country – A cross-sectional study. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shams, Pirbhat; Ahmed, Intisar; Shahab, Hunaina; Kadani, Zehra; Khan, Aisal; Shams, Marvi; Saeed, Yawer; Bokhari, Saira; Khan, Aamir Hameed
• Is Part Of: Annals of medicine and surgery. Volume 69(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Medical education -- Virtual learning -- e-learning -- Cardiovascular medicine -- Cardiology -- Fellow-in-training -- Post-graduate medical education -- Academic -- Simulators; Surgery -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; General Surgery -- Periodicals; Education, Medical -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102786
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-0801

Abstract

Abstract: Background: COVID-19 pandemic has introduced us to a greater need of virtual learning platforms and has resulted in less clinical exposure for fellows-in-training. Virtual and simulator-based learning is not widely available in LMIC. It is imperative to analyze feedback of CV fellow-in-training regarding this mode of learning before large scale implementation. Methodology: This was an observational study conducted between July–August 2020. A multicentered survey was conducted. Survey questionnaire was disseminated to FIT (fellow-in-training) via Google Forms. The questionnaire contained a total of 24 questions about virtual and simulator-based learning during the pandemic. Results: A total of 68 FIT responded to the survey. The mean age was 29.9 years. There were 37% females and 63% males. Majority (75%) agreed that it was easier for them to reach for online sessions than physical sessions. 60% FIT were confident in asking questions or giving comments during the online sessions. 57.4% FIT felt it easier to go through cardiovascular imaging/illustrations via online platforms. 50% (34) were confident that if online sessions had to continue, they would have enough academic learning before they graduated from the program and 54.4% (37) wanted online sessions to continue even beyond the pandemic days. 37.5% (18 out of 48) agreed that the simulator-based teaching was helping them practice skills in times of less clinical exposure. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted cardiovascular FIT learning curve because of less hands-on and lack of physical teaching sessions. LMIC have lack of robust e-learning platforms. Virtual learning is convenient for academic learning with growing acceptance amongst fellows. FIT from LMIC are less acquaint to simulator-based teaching and there is a need to invest in simulator-based cardiovascular teaching in LMIC. Highlights: COVID-19 pandemic has affected cardiovascular FIT learning curve in terms of less clinical and procedure related exposure. Virtual education has started gaining acceptance in LMIC, but lack of wide availability is still the concern.