Impact of Covid 19 in medical education

Background and aims: Covid 19 has created havoc in the world. Its impact has been seen in every sphere of life including education. Medical education is also effected as a result of this pandemic. This study is aimed to find out impact of this pandemic in medical education and possible effects of changes in medical education. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati in May, 2020. A questionnaire was prepared to collect data from faculties, residents and undergraduate students, It included questions relating to impact, use of technology, online teaching, face to face teaching, learning environment, self directed learning, communication and social skills, evaluation and future of medical education. A five point Likert Scale was used to record their responses. Results: Seventy five subjects responded (31 faculties, 44 students, 35 females, 40 males). 74(98.7%) agreed that medical education is hampered. All (100%) agreed adaption to technologies. Sixty respondents (80%) found online teaching helpful. 71 respondents (94.7%) found limitations in online teaching. 55 respondents (73.3%) found online didactic lecture helpful. 90.1% found found online tutorial useful. 65(86.7%) believe small group discussion in virtual setting. 71(94.7%) respondents believe on face to face teaching. 68 (90.7%) agreed upon asynchronous learning. 66(88%) suggested small group discussion maintaining social distance. 62(82.7%) advocated clinical skill training with PPE. All (100%) agreed learning in safe environments. Fiftythree respondents (70.7%) want deferral of bedside clinical skill training. 64 (85.3%) respondents favored deferring clinical posting. 56(74.7%) favored clinical skills training in modules, simulation or videos. 58(77.3%) agreed upon self directed learning. 67(89.3%) opined that communication skills can be taught by maintaining social distance. Ninety percent (68 respondents) believe it will be difficult to teach social skills like empathy, attitude etc. during pandemic. 97.3% agreed that students should be trained for educating society. 98.7% were in favor of evaluation of changes made. Sixty six (88%) opined on going back to earlier method. All respondents support combining virtual method with conventional teaching after pandemic. Conclusion: Covid-19 pandemic has forced us to review all aspects of medical education in terms of their feasibility and effectiveness. It is high time to deeply think about training of the future doctors. Some changes in methodology are necessary in current scenario. Help of online education and use of technology is the need of the hour.