Challenges Imposed by online-based learning on acquiring clinical knowledge and skills

Background; Medical students in clinical years are supposed to be independent, self-directed learner to motivate in depth learning. In response to COVID-19, medical education faculty have quickly transitioned to online formats that include COVID-19 crisis. The main purpose of this study was to assess the experience of clinical years’ students with online-based learning during the COVID19 pandemic. Method; A cross sectional survey based study was carried out in two medical colleges. Data was collected on self-administered questionnaire satisfaction regarding clinical knowledge and skills gained via online-based learning. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0). Data were expressed in frequencies, mean and percentages. Results; Total 210 participants 50% from NUST and SQU, 71% female. Half of study participants (NUST-52.4% and SQU-60.0%) found online teaching ineffective. More than half of students (60.5%) experienced poor internet access. A total of 22.9% of students agreed and 50.5% of students were some extent agreed that they were able to achieve their objectives. More than two third (83.8%) or NUST and 61% of SQU students did not manage to achieve practical skills. In the questionnaire response, 88.6% of NUST and 69.5% of SQU students believed that online teaching is not sufficient to prepare clinical years students to become skilled future doctors. A significant difference (p-0.001) was observed between NUST and SQU student’s responses. Conclusion; Medical students in clinical years need in depth learning with maximum hands on practice. The webinar teaching has impact on medical student education, affecting the practice and training. Students believed that online teaching in its current form is not sufficient to prepare clinical years students to become skilled future doctors.