Blended practical learning in compliance with COVID-19 social distancing

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Digital Health
• Pandemic Response

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted traditional medical education, necessitating rapid adaptation of teaching methodologies.
• Humanitas University transitioned to digital instruction for continuing medical education, including practical 'Professionalizing activities', from January 2020.
• Social distancing measures from September 2020 prompted a modified approach, integrating blended online and face-to-face education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a novel blended learning method for medical education in the post-pandemic era.
• To share experiences and insights on implementing blended learning for practical clinical activities.
• To assess the effectiveness and student/tutor satisfaction with the adapted educational program.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a blended learning program combining online and face-to-face components for Professionalizing activities.
• Validation of the project using Kirkpatrick's evaluation model.
• Assessment of student and tutor satisfaction through two ad hoc questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Student overall satisfaction was rated at 6.8, while tutors rated it at 7.4.
• Qualitative analysis confirmed the advantages of blended learning for maintaining the clinical curriculum.
• Identified needs included increased technical support and improved organization of meetings.

Conclusions:

• The proposed blended learning approach effectively facilitates the continuation of clinical curricula amidst pandemic constraints.
• Blended learning offers a viable and increasingly accepted model for medical education, combining the benefits of both online and in-person instruction.
• Further development requires addressing technical and organizational challenges to optimize blended learning effectiveness.