Experience of virtual learning in the times of pandemic and its future perspectives: observations from ‘gynecological oncology’ trainee survey

Abstract

<h3>Objectives:</h3> In these unprecedented times of COVID-19 pandemic, surgical education and training has been severely disrupted. Surgical skills are prone to decay. Promoting virtual learning and simulation based platforms can expand training opportunities beyond the walls of hospital. Such measures may mitigate the diminished surgical and clinical skills caused by disruption of training. The foreseeable goal should be to build resilient training standards resistant to disruption as one caused by COVID 19. We aimed to study the perceptions of in-training candidates in gynecological oncology in India regarding their present experience of virtual learning and future perspectives to incorporate these training modalities in standard academic curricula. <h3>Methods:</h3> We developed and validated a survey questionnaire using a three member expert team. The survey was administered through a cross-sectional web-based (Google forms) platform to all the trainees in gynecological oncology across India listed in our directory in the first week of August, 2020. Data collected was analysed using Google sheets. Results were expressed as percentages of total responses received excluding unattended responses. Inferences were drawn from the content-specific responses. <h3>Results:</h3> Thirty-seven trainees across the country responded. Majority (97.2%) of the trainees conceded that COVID-19 had significantly impacted their training, of which 78% suggested that hands-on surgical training was the most affected, 15% percieved an impact on academic training and only 7% suggested an impact on clinical trial learning. All respondents were continuing academic training through webinars, online case presentations and tumour boards. None of the responses favoured virtual learning over or equivalent to bedside clinics and face to face interactions. Almost three-fourths (77%) of trainees suggested continuing online platforms in post-COVID times. Presently only 3 of 16 centres from responses received had skill lab and simulation training facilities. Virtual anatomical learning facility was available only in a single centre across the country. Cadaveric dissection (89%) was a preferred choice over simulation modules by in-training candidates to prevent skill decay. Telemedicine clinics were run by 14 of 16 centres in the country but only 54% of trainees were satisfied with telemedicine services. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Although, a positive response for online teaching modules was recieved among trainees in gynecological oncology in India, face to face learning and bed side clinics were still valued. There was a modest preference for simulation based skill training while cadaveric dissection lab training was overwhelmingly accepted. This could possibly be attributable to unavailability and non-exposure of majority of trainees to simulation based platforms.