Combatting with Challenges in Medical Education During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study Identifying the Effectiveness of Using E-Learning in Pediatric Clinical Clerkship of A University Hospital, Pakistan

Abstract

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.