Keeping it human: Pandemic era psychiatry teaching

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychiatry Training
• Digital Learning

Background:

• Mental health is a critical global concern requiring foundational psychiatric knowledge for doctors in training.
• Undergraduate psychiatry placements are vital for skill development and reducing mental illness stigma.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated significant adaptations to traditional clinical placements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To transform a 6-week undergraduate psychiatry clinical placement into a primarily online course.
• To maintain educational quality and student engagement despite pandemic-related disruptions.
• To assess the effectiveness of the online course in preparing students and influencing attitudes.

Main Methods:

• A 4-week online course was designed using diverse resources including personal narratives and expert interviews.
• Self-directed learning components were supplemented with peer- and tutor-led sessions to mitigate social isolation.
• The course content and structure were evaluated through student feedback and performance in written examinations.

Main Results:

• The online course received high ratings for content and structure, with students feeling prepared for clinical placements.
• Student performance in summative written examinations was comparable to previous cohorts.
• Feedback indicated a positive development in students' attitudes towards mental health and illness, though peer activities needed enhancement.

Conclusions:

• Online learning formats can successfully deliver psychiatry education, even when in-person clinical contact is limited.
• This approach effectively imparts essential knowledge and skills while promoting attitudinal learning and reducing stigma.
• Focusing on social learning elements and patient experiences is crucial for effective online medical education.