Distance Learning in Surgical Education

Abstract

Background Medical education has traditionally relied on in-person-based curriculums in medical school and residency . However, due to the COVID19 pandemic, medical schools and residency programs have been forced to rapidly transition to virtual platforms for learning. Surgical education poses a particular challenge, as virtual platforms cannot adequately replace hands-on learning of surgical skills. In this review, we will discuss the various ways in which virtual learning has been employed in surgical education and how it may be used to enhance learning of medical students and residents in the future. Methods We conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify articles published regarding medical school and surgical residency curriculum changes after COVID19. Results Over the past year, several surgery departments have piloted programs using virtual learning modules, live online lectures and training workshops, and remote streaming into the OR to supplement more traditional in-person learning. Overall, these programs have received positive feedback from participating medical students and residents, suggesting that virtual and online tools may be helpful in supplementing surgical education. However, several programs also noted the possibility for significant disparities in learning due to variable access to internet and availability of newer technologies. Conclusion Going forward, distance learning will play an important role in surgical education to further enhance learning of medical students and residents in a field with rapid technological advancements.

Struggle in the bubble - a prospective study on the effect of remote learning and distance education on confidence in practical surgical skills acquired during COVID-19

“…Hence, SSL training was performed considering social-distancing restrictions in small but spatially separated groups (social bubbles) to avoid in-person tutor–student interactions. However, surgical education poses an eminent challenge when considering distance and remote learning, given that there has not been an adequate alternative for mastering surgical techniques with hands-on experience [ 25 ]. Therefore, to ensure the integrity and continuity of surgical education, it is important to assess the usability of unprecedented learning methods and determine their feasibility and adequacy for medical students.…”

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“…Thus, the above studies complement the material on continuity in the system of "telemedicine and distance education" and draw attention to the prospect of using telemedicine in the provision of preventive obstetric and gynaecological services. The issue of disciplines related to obstetrics, gynaecology, and ultrasound diagnostics has also attracted the attention of scientists, for example, V. Mehta et al (2021) investigated the prospects of distance education in the most practical medical field -surgery. They used both conventional online resources and more complex virtual patient programmes, including online broadcasting of surgical interventions, which had a positive impact on the clinical experience gained by students.…”