Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Education: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has made a tremendous impact on medical education and healthcare institutions, we aimed to measure effects of online classes on medical students’ comprehension in comparison with attending campus classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey has been conducted between September 2020 and June 2021 in the western region of Saudi Arabia. The Convenience sampling technique was conducted to collect the data from medical students in their basic and clinical years, using a questionnaire that involved 45 multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions. Results Out of 3700 questionnaires, 922 completed the questionnaires from 11 different medical schools. Umm AL-Qura University had the highest response rate with 232 responses (25.2%), followed by King Abdulaziz University with 186 responses (20.2%). The majority of institutions preferred Blackboard and Zoom as platforms for e-learning. A total of 355 (38.5%) believed that it resulted in higher academic achievement, whereas 555 (60.2%) of students believed the limitation of clinical access was one of the biggest disadvantages of e-learning. Overall, 518 (56.2%) of students did not want to continue using e-learning on its own in the future. Whereas 668 (72.5%) wished to keep using e-learning in combination with traditional learning. Conclusion According to our findings, advantages of e-learning vary among students. Most of the students thought e-learning to be an interactive system that provides a learning opportunity. In contrast, many of the students believed that there were many disadvantages regarding online teaching methods.

Medical Students’ Perceptions Towards Online Teaching During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia

“…Aligned with other studies, our results showed that clinical skills which are best learned in clinics and laboratories remain a pertinent barrier to online teaching. 2,18,25,40,[43][44][45] Similarly to other studies, the most enjoyable aspects of online learning appeared to be the online accessibility of materials, flexibility of the time, ability to learn at own pace and cost saving. 2,42 Post pandemic recommendations suggested to maintain flexibility and accessibility to educational resources.…”

“… 2 , 42 Post pandemic recommendations suggested to maintain flexibility and accessibility to educational resources. 45 20% of respondents found interaction and ability to ask questions are enjoyable aspects of online learning. As suggested in previous studies, students who have difficulties to interact and to engage in a live lecture are encouraged to participate and interact more in online class.…”

“…A blended format of online learning and traditional methods will be beneficial as suggested in other studies. 6 , 33 , 45 , 54 Moreover, a continuous training for our faculty to enhance their online teaching skills will improve online teaching and learning implementation. Comparing the students’ actual performance in online PBL and CBL versus classroom sessions will provide robust evidence on the benefit of online team-based learning.…”

Knowledge, attitude, and adherence to coronavirus preventive measures among residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…The implementation of limitations on the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages by Saudi Arabia in 2020, together with the introduction of diverse health regulations in 2021, had significant ramifications on the worldwide Muslim population. [8] Variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19), have emerged and been identified in numerous nations around the world since the virus has been spreading globally, posing a serious threat to public health due to the virus' alarming levels of spread and severity and the inaction of some governments to contain the virus. [10] Omicron, which accounts for > 98% of viral sequences shared on the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISAID) after February 2022, is currently the prevalent variety circulating globally, according to the WHO.…”

“…[13] Various challenges and consequences for communities in terms of health, social, mental, and economic aspects can emerge as a result of outbreaks or pandemics. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] In order to reduce some of the consequences, Sigfrid et al (2019) emphasized the importance for countries to "address political, economic, administrative, regulatory, logistical, ethical, and social challenges when it comes to strengthening global preparedness for emerging epidemics. [21] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasized the importance of each community having mitigation strategies in place in order to slow down the transmission when a virus with pandemic potential emerges.…”