The evolution of medical education in the era of Covid-19 and beyond: a longitudinal study

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about profound transformations in nearly all aspects of life, leaving its impact on the global community as a whole. Nowhere has this transformation been more pronounced than in the sphere of education, including medical education. Healthcare professionals and educators faced the daunting task of preparing the next generation of practicing physicians amid the ongoing public health crisis. Methods The study involved students from three different Chinese medical universities (groups A, B, and C, respectively). The research employed two instruments: a Scale of Satisfaction with Simulation-Based Education and a Scale of Satisfaction with Telemedicine Competency Education. Data were collected at three different time points: 2020–2021 (online/distance learning), 2021–2022 (hybrid learning), and 2022–2023 (traditional face-to-face learning). Results It was revealed that students demonstrated the highest level of satisfaction during the hybrid learning period (Time Point 2), while online/distance learning (Time Point 1) received the lowest ratings. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in satisfaction levels across the various time points. Conclusions Hybrid learning emerged as the preferred method among students, yielding the highest level of satisfaction. Online/distance learning during the 2020–2021 academic year and traditional face-to-face instruction in 2022–2023 exhibited lower satisfaction levels. The research findings underscore the practical significance of hybrid learning for students in medical educational programs, suggesting its potential for optimizing educational curricula and resources within academic institutions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-024-06271-8.