Is online learning effective for doctors?
The COVID-19 pandemic and physical isolation have had a considerable influence on the transfer of traditional teaching techniques to online teaching methods, which although not uncommon in medical schools, have been adopted for just some aspects of the teaching process too far. Thus, we wanted to assess the efficacy of e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as medical student’s preferences for e-learning and classroom teaching, as well as the feasibility of using it after the pandemic.
To assess the efficacy or ineffectiveness of online classes, it is necessary to first understand the function of a medical student during the training process. A medical student is preferably part of a team of students who are assisted by knowledgeable medical specialists. Their major learning experience consists of providing a realistic patient experience while being guided by a teacher.
While the world has seen a million calamities that have forced a halt to everything except medical and other emergency services, Covid-19 presents a unique and severe challenge. As a result, ensuring one's safety is just as important as developing amazing clinical abilities.
The use of video in education presents both potential and difficulties.
The extensive reach of online learning enables students from all across the nation to continue their education at their own speed without any interruption. Most of the time, students may learn new skills—clinical or otherwise—through online education.
There are several benefits in taking lessons online. Studying from home enables medical students to concentrate more on their studies and develop self-discipline, which increases productivity. Additionally, students may investigate solutions from real-world circumstances and move beyond the course materials with the help of the internet.
Students may gain a thorough understanding of subjects by using videos, blogs, and other information updated by knowledgeable clinicians from across the world. Students must carefully prepare their study materials, though, as it is simple to become lost when looking for pertinent information online. Self-discipline is crucial in this aspect.
It is crucial to assess the available resources and manage self-development with the aid of new sources.
While studying at home has numerous advantages, there are a few things it lacks. It could make students feel alone and have an effect on their mental health.
Institutions must thus make sure that students' mental health receives particular attention.
Additionally, cooperation is crucial for medical students, but due to social distance, virtual teamwork can be difficult and may not be as educational. Students learn and grow as a team while also developing interpersonal skills, which will be difficult to achieve solo.
There is no shortage of conceptual comprehension among students, according to polls on the efficiency of online learning undertaken by several universities throughout the world.
We will need to wait till the issue has played out before we can assess the student's talents.
For practicing students to aid experienced doctors while managing patients online, medical institutions can work with hospitals around the nation in order to increase the efficacy of online learning.
Additionally, it will enable medical students to start making money as they continue to learn from experts and study.
India has a huge population, as is well known, and medical crises like Covid-19 were a reflection of the massive disproportional doctor-to-patient ratio. By putting their knowledge into practice while being supervised by on-call doctors, practicing students can play a significant role in closing the gap between supply and demand in this situation.
Based on the findings of the online survey, the study's conclusion suggests that a tiny majority of healthcare professionals in India are aware of and receptive to obtaining knowledge through digital learning portals, despite infrastructural constraints and minor concerns. During the continuing pandemic scenario among healthcare professionals, e-learning aids in information acquisition and reinforces infection and prevention methods. The study found that online instruction is practical, and affordable, and might be used to train healthcare professionals in India after
the present shutdown. The reach of e-learning may be further expanded by taking
steps to ensure participant security and access to current and relevant material.
This will also provide the students a chance to get comfortable with the concept of providing a positive patient experience through video consultations and introduce them to telehealth, which is the future of the medical sector.