Medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons for the orthopedic departments.

Background: After the Coronavirus pandemic, many educational routines were stopped for the safety of medical staff. To achieve educational goals, we have implemented new policies in our hospitals. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of such strategies.

Method: This survey-based study uses questionnaires to assess newly implemented educational strategies. We surveyed 107 medical staff of the orthopedic department of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, including faculty members, residents, and students. The survey contained three series of questionnaires for these groups.

Results: The maximum satisfaction for all three groups was observed in the platform and facilities for using e-classes, and the cost- and time-saving capabilities (Respectively, faculty members (FM): 81.8%, residents (R): 95.2%, students/interns (S/I): 87.0%; FM: 90.9%, R: 88.1%, S/I: 81.5%). The new policies have been shown to reduce the stress level of most trainees, increase the quality of knowledge-based education, increase the opportunity for reexamining educational content, expand discussion and research opportunities, and improve work conditions. There was a broad acceptance of the virtual journal clubs and morning reports. However, there were discrepancies between residents and faculty members on issues such as the evaluation of trainees, the new educational curriculum, and flexible shift schedules. Our strategies failed to improve skill-based education and patient treatment status. Most participants indicated that e-learning should be used with face-to-face training post-pandemic (FM: 81.8%, R: 83.3%, S/I: 75.9%).

Conclusion: Our efforts to optimize the educational system during this crisis have generally improved trainees' work conditions and educational experience. Most participants believed that e-learning and virtual methods should be used alongside traditional training as a complementary component after the pandemic.