Purpose: There is a growing emphasis placed on self-directed learning (SDL) within medical education. Yet, little is known about the SDL resources medical students are using. This study aimed to identify patterns in medical students’ SDL behaviours, their SDL resource choices, factors motivating these choices, and the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these variables.MethodsA online cross-sectional survey comprised of multiple choice, ranked, and free text response questions was disseminated to medical students across all 41 UK medical schools between April and July 2020. Comparison of independent study hours and sources of study materials prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic was undertaken. Motivational factors guiding resource choices and awareness of Free Open Access Meducation (FOAM) was also investigated. ResultsA target sample size of 75 per medical school across a total of 41 medical schools within the UK were targeted (3075 total students). 1564 responses were included for analysis. University-provided information comprised the most commonly used component of independent study time, but a minority of total independent study time. Independent study time increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (P<0.001). All sub-cohorts except males reported a significant increase in the use of resources such as free websites and question banks (P<0.05) and paid websites (P<0.05) as a result of the pandemic. Accessibility was the most influential factor guiding resource choice (Friedman’s μrank=3.97, p<0.001). ConclusionThere is a growing trend towards an increase in the use of learning resources independent of university provision. Educators must ensure equitable access to such materials whilst supporting students in making informed choices regarding their independent study behaviours.

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score was associated with both internalising (B=0.22, 95% CI 0.08-0.36, p<0.01, f 2 =0.03) and externalising symptoms (B=0.40, 95% CI 0.20-0.61, p<0.001, f 2 =0.05), but not with cognitive outcomes in toddlers (B=-0.21, 95% CI -0.49-0.06, p>0.05). Maternal EPDS, and toddlers' CBCL and Q-CHAT scores did not differ between preterm and term participants. Conclusions Our findings indicate that children whose mothers had increased depressive symptoms in the early postnatal period exhibit more maternally-reported behavioural, emotional and neurodevelopmental problems in toddlerhood. Further research is needed to confirm the clinical significance of these findings.