Advances in undergraduate and postgraduate education- bedside, simulation and E-learning

Abstract

Clinical bedside teaching the cornerstone of medical education in the 19th century has been shaped and developed by changes in healthcare delivery and work practices. Developing skilled clinicians to work and thrive in these complex environments requires innovative and adaptive strategies. In this rapidly changing environment compounded by a shorter duration of training, there is an increasing focus on the student learner, team-based working and the development of professionalism. The continuum of medical education from undergraduate through postgraduate to continued professional development has been greatly enhanced by the adoption of new strategies and technologies. Simulation is long established in medical education and its benefits well recognised. Technological developments including Artificial Intelligence have supported and enhanced the quality of simulation in medical education. There is a broad range of simulation available with varying degrees of fidelity, as required, culminating in immersive virtual reality. The challenges for medical educators of the Covid-19 pandemic, with closure or restricted access to clinical patients, wards and classrooms, resulted in rapid restructuring of teaching programs and for many to move “on-line”. This resulted in widespread rapid adoption of technologically driven medical education, with E-learning, blended learning and innovative strategies to increase student engagement. The seismic changes in medical education necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with the upskilling of medical educators and technological advances, should result in an exciting period of continued innovation in medical education, a second “Golden Era” and enhance medical education for many years to come.