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Exploring a novel approach to surgery clerkship didactics during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study
Jose A Negrete Manriquez1, Shahrzad Bazargan-Hejazi2, Sue J Nahm3
1College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E 120th St, Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic brings unforeseen challenges in medical education. The current study aims to: 1) describe third-year medical students' experiences with the novel Shelf-Exam-Type Question Didactics (SET QD) before (in-person) and during (virtual) COVID-19.
Methods:
In this qualitative study using grounded theory, we conducted purposive sampling and used 23 in-depth semi-structured interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and the Atlas.Ti software was used to manage the thematic analysis.
Results:
There are three themes and eight subthemes that emerged: 1) The SET QD Framework (sub-themes: questions as learning opportunities; interleaving; notable clinical scenarios; team learning; accountability). 2) Experienced Educator (subtheme: transformational teaching). 3) Virtual Accessibility (sub-themes: alleviating time constraints, and mitigating life-stressors).
Conclusions:
Medical students regarded SET QD as impactful for shelf exam preparation, clinical preparation, and long-term retention of the material. This novel virtual didactic method may be used in non-surgical clerkships as well.
