The purpose of this research is to ascertain the effectiveness of using the e-learning method for a module in pediatric clerkship at the [redacted name] University Hospital, Karachi. The fourth-year undergraduate medical students, who rotates for eight weeks in Pediatric clerkship, participated in this study. It was a sequential (Quantitative-Qualitative) mixed-method study, which was conducted from May-August 2020. Students were divided according to their status of in-person rotation (Novice, Semi-expert, Expert). The quantitative component of the study consisted of pre and post-tests and pre-validated post-session feedback., while focused-group discussions were done to explore students’ experiences. SPSS version 20.0 was used for quantitative data while qualitative data underwent content analysis. Fifty-nine participants (68.8%) were female. The intervention batch comprised of 102 students (41 Novice (40.2%), 21 Semi-expert (19.6%), and 40 Expert (39.2%)). Using paired t-test analysis between pre and post-test scores of each session, it was discerned that there was indeed a positive effect on knowledge acquisition during each session, depicted by the improvement in test scores. The Semi-expert and Expert groups were merged for analysis. The Novice group was found to be statistically significant for only the common newborn problem session. The qualitative component explored students' views, and three main themes emerged, i.e., the effectiveness of online learning, barriers and challenges to online learning, and future goals to enhance online learning. In conclusion, E-learning is an effective way of continuing the process of delivering medical education, especially in unprecedented times. Technological enhancements will help carry the impact forward as a blended-learning pedagogical approach in undergraduate medical education.

Background The emergence of COVID-19 raises the opportunity to reimagine medical education. One way of attempting this is online classes, also known as e-learning, through recordings and or live streaming. The purpose of this research is to ascertain the effectiveness of using the e-learning instructional methodology for a Pediatric module with the fourth year MBBS students at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Methods It was a sequential (Quantitative-Qualitative) mixed-method study. The quantitative component of the study consisted of pre and post-tests, as well as feedback on each session. The qualitative component was composed of focused-group discussions to explore students' experiences. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. Mean ±SD was reported for quantitative variables, and frequency and percentages were calculated for nominal variables. The pre and post-test scores were compared using a paired t-test. Pre and post mean test scores were analyzed in comparison to the level of student groups (Experts, Semi-experts, and Novice) by one-way ANOVA. For qualitative content analysis, categories were clumped together to yield sub-themes that were further merged into themes.Results All students (n= 102) participated and enrolled in this study. Fifty-nine participants (68.8%) were female. Participants were stratified into three groups, Novice 41(40.2%), Semi-expert 21 (19.6%), and Expert 40 (39.2%). The majority of the students appreciated the session structure and facilitation. There was a significant effect (p<0.005) on knowledge enhancement during each session, depicted by the improvement in post-test scores. It was also supported by the positive association (r=0.242 to 0.595) between the gain in knowledge and each session held. The ANOVA yielded no statistical significance between the knowledge gained among the three group levels, denoting that our online module had been proven successful in achieving the same learning goals as an in-person rotation.Conclusion E-learning is an effective way of continuing the process of delivering medical education, especially in unprecedented times. Technological enhancements will help carry the impact forward as a blended-learning pedagogical approach in undergraduate medical education.

This was a cross sectional study, conducted at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, from December 2018 to December 2019, to determine the residents' performance as teachers and understand the difficulties they faced. Anonymous feedback was obtained from students (n=200) to rate the teaching skills of residents in the paediatric department. The residents (n=60) also filled out an anonymous survey to assess their teaching performance and barriers to teaching. Furthermore, the faculty rated the residents' teaching abilities on a 5-point scale. A total of 145 (98.7%) students considered teaching as an important role of the residents. Ten (40%) residents identified themselves as beginners in teaching. The main barriers were time limitation (n=19, 76%), critical patients (n=3, 12%) and lack of appropriate skills (n=3, 12%). Keywords: Residency, Medical Students, Teaching, Faculty. Continue...