Perception of Web-Based Didactic Activities During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Anesthesia Residents: Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anesthesiology Training
• COVID-19 Pandemic Impact

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic necessitated shift to virtual learning in residency programs.
• Physical and social distancing measures increased reliance on web-based resources for medical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on anesthesiology residency training.
• To identify barriers to successful implementation of web-based medical education.

Main Methods:

• A 19-item anonymous electronic survey was distributed to anesthesiology residents.
• Survey assessed training level, didactic participation (pre- and during pandemic), and perceptions of virtual didactics.
• Evaluated resident engagement, learning effectiveness, and preferences for future educational methods.

Main Results:

• Most residents (56%) reported negative impacts of the pandemic on training.
• Engagement decreased significantly during virtual lectures (72%) compared to in-person sessions.
• Key barriers included distractions, internet instability, and technical difficulties, yet residents favored a hybrid model.

Conclusions:

• Anesthesiology residents faced challenges with virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Despite limitations, residents expressed a desire to retain a blend of virtual and in-person didactics.
• This suggests a potential shift towards hybrid educational models in postgraduate medical training.