Peer Learning and Operationalizing During COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.

Area of Science:

• Radiology Education
• Medical Imaging
• Academic Medicine

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges to medical education, including radiology.
• Restrictions impacted traditional in-person conferences and peer learning sessions.
• Healthcare systems faced unprecedented strain, affecting academic activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the adaptation of the peer learning system in Abdominal Imaging during the pandemic.
• To outline the transition from in-person to virtual conferences and learning.
• To provide a framework for other institutions facing similar educational disruptions.

Main Methods:

• Transitioned all in-person conferences to virtual platforms in March 2020.
• Implemented new peer learning strategies adhering to social distancing guidelines.
• Maintained educational activities with minimal disruption.

Main Results:

• Successfully shifted peer learning to a virtual format.
• Adhered to institutional and national guidelines for COVID-19 mitigation.
• Enabled continued radiology education with social distancing.

Conclusions:

• The virtual peer learning model facilitated continuity in abdominal imaging education.
• The adapted framework offers a scalable solution for radiology departments globally.
• Successful implementation ensured minimal disruption to resident learning during the pandemic.