Perspective of a Teaching Fellow: Innovation in Medical Education: The Changing Face of Clinical Placements During...

The Mid Essex teaching team have adapted and innovated to ensure delivery of the curriculum to over 150 students from two medical schools during COVID-19. A fully immersive education experience was created through protected teaching time, the introduction of a simulation package (virtual reality simulation, ward simulation and bleep simulation), the proactive recruitment of fourteen dedicated teaching fellows, and the procurement of technology-based platforms. The blended learning approach we designed supplemented student-patient interaction on the ward with virtual and face-to-face teaching sessions where appropriate. Preliminary data from student feedback suggests that the pandemic induced adaptations, technological innovations and simulation-based teaching have been successful. Students have rapidly gained confidence, knowledge and skills that they need to progress. It may be a consideration for teaching hospitals elsewhere to consider such methods to ensure students are prepared for life as a doctor both in the midst of and after the pandemic.