Medical Education During COVID-19: A Global Cross-Sectional Survey of Medical Student Experiences with Remote Learning

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted more than one billion medical students worldwide, transforming e-learning into a convenient solution. This study aims to determine how medical schools have adapted their curriculums during the pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using an internet-based survey distributed to medical students in multiple languages in November 2020. Descriptive analysis was performed comparing changes in the delivery of medical education by national economic status.Findings: 1,746 responses were received from 79 different countries. Most respondents reported their institution stopped in-person lectures: 75%(n=40) respondents from low-income countries (LICs), 88%(n=244) from lower-middle income countries (LMICs), 93%(n=882) from upper-middle income countries (UMICs), and 90%(n=238) from high income countries (HICs). A minority of respondents (36%, n=551) reported their medical school used e-learning tools before the pandemic, however, most students report using e-learning tools since (92%, n=1430). 89%(n=1039) of the students enrolled in clinical rotations reported their rotations were paused during the pandemic. In-person clinical rotations were substituted for 25% (n=13) of respondents from LICs vs 58% (n=152) from HICs. 42% (n=23) of students from LICs reported their internet connection was not sufficient for online classes compared to 11% (n=28) in HICs. Interpretation: Most medical schools transitioned their curriculum to e-learning due to COVID-19, with students from LICs and LMICs facing significant challenges due to lack of quality internet connection. Specific policies are needed to ensure equity in e-learning for all, regardless of socioeconomic status.Funding Statement: None.Declaration of Interests: None.Ethics Approval Statement: This study was considered exempt by the Institutional Review Board at the Boston Children's Hospital Ethical Committee (IRB-P00036561) on September 9, 2020.