Background
The COrona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has radically changed the possibilities for vascular surgeons and trainees to exchange knowledge and experience. The aim of the present survey is to inventorise the e-learning needs of vascular surgeons and trainees as well as the strengths and weaknesses of vascular e-Learning.
Methods
An online survey consisting of 18 questions was created in English, with a separate bilingual English-Mandarin version. The survey was dispersed to vascular surgeons and trainees worldwide through social media and via direct messaging from June 15th to October 15th 2020.
Results
856 records from 84 different countries could be included. Most participants attended several online activities (>4: n=461, 54%; 2-4: n=300, 35%; 1: n=95, 11%) and evaluated online activities as positive or very positive (84.7%). In deciding upon participation, the topic of the activity was most important (n=440, 51.4%), followed by the reputation of the presenter or the panel (n=178, 20.8%), but not necessarily receiving accreditation or certification (n=52, 6.1%). The survey identified several shortcomings in vascular e-Learning during the pandemic: limited possibility to attend due to lack of time and increased workload (n=432, 50.5%), no protected/allocated time (n=488, 57%) and no accreditation or certification, while technical shortcomings were only a minor problem (n=25, 2.9%).
Conclusions
During the COVID-19 pandemic vascular e-Learning has been used frequently and was appreciated by vascular professionals from around the globe. The survey identified strengths and weaknesses in current e-Learning that can be used to further improve online learning in vascular surgery.
COVID-19 disease has emerged worldwide, and recently COVID-19 vaccination has become the most powerful weapon to overcome this pandemic. Indonesia has begun their COVID-19 vaccination program since this January 13, 2021, with President Joko Widodo as the first participant in this program. However, the cumulative COVID-19 cases in Indonesia is still increasing, with the 939,948 confirmed cases per January 21, 2021, with 8,000 – 14,000 cases in single day within last week report. This issue will lead to higher morbidity and mortality rates, if the moderate to severe COVID-19 cases are not properly treated. One morbidity in vascular problem in COVID-19 is the hypercoagulability issue.
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