Life during the pandemic: an international photo-elicitation study with medical students

Abstract

Background The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global event with unprecedented impact on individuals and communities around the world. The purpose of this study is to use a modified photo-elicitation methodology to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of medical students and their communities around the world. Methods Participating medical students were asked to take photographs for 14 days. In lieu of an interview, which is customary for photo-elicitation projects, participants were asked to share a reflection (a paragraph or two) for each photograph they contributed to the study. Results Between April 27th, 2020 and May 11th, 2020 26 students from 19 medical schools across 13 countries shared photographs and reflections. Qualitative analysis of written reflections revealed that medical students felt the impact of the pandemic on several levels 1) individual, 2) interpersonal, 3) educational, and 4) societal. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of medical students on multiple levels. As individuals, students felt emotional distress but found resilience through physical activity and the establishment of new routines. Many students felt isolated as their interpersonal relationships were confined due to social distancing measures. These feelings could be combated with new educational initiatives focused on group collaboration. Lastly, students reflecting on the larger societal implications were concerned with the economic ramifications of the virus and its impact on their future. This study brought together students from several different countries to engage in an applied learning program as a model for equitable global health research.

Navigating post COVID-19 education: an investigative study on students’ attitude and perception of their new normal learning environment

“…Considered in context with its relationship with academic performance and empathy, more recent studies have highlighted the significance of emotional well-being in health profession students ( Chaudhary et al, 2020 ; Khalil et al, 2020 ). The improvement of the well-being of students as a fundamental human need and the promotion of social connectivity are both potential responsibilities of healthcare institutions ( Dworkin et al, 2021 ). To further understand how health profession students’ subjective happiness changes over time, it is important to look into how they perceive their educational environment ( Yoo & Kim, 2019 ).…”

Reflections of Graduating Medical Students: A Photo-Elicitation Study

“…Questions remain, however, about the causes of burnout, and the role of medical school in the phenomenon is not fully understood. Photo-elicitation has been used in previous studies to understand lived realities of students in medical school and other educational settings [5,6]. However, these studies have largely focused strictly on the impacts of COVID-19; to our knowledge, the photo-elicitation methodology has not previously been used to understand sources of stress, and means of coping, across the duration of the medical school experience.…”

Preschool teachers display a flexible pattern of pedagogical actions in promoting healthy habits in children

“…In the first sense, we can enumerate research using visual methods for eliciting data for educative purposes. This includes cartographies ( Padilla-Petry et al, 2021 ); photo-elicitation ( Dworkin et al, 2021 ), which was also successfully used regarding health concepts with children and adolescents with disabilities, such as health and well-being, physical activity participation and leisure activity ( Lumia et al, 2021 ); photo-interview ( Kolb, 2008 ); or photo-voice ( Shaw, 2021 ), which may also constitute an inclusive didactic strategy ( Parrilla et al, 2017 ).…”