Perceptions of online surgical-focused learning amongst surgeons during the COVID pandemic: A scoping review 2020–22

S. M. McHugh, E. Kheirelseid, S. Hyde, P. F. Conway

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: During the COVID pandemic many centres adopted e-learning as a tool to adhere to social distancing recommendations while continuing to provide ongoing postgraduate medical education. We aimed to complete this scoping review in order to map experience and perceptions amongst surgeons and surgical trainees to remote learning during the COVID pandemic. Methods: Using Arksey and O'Malley's five step model for conducting a scoping review, a systematic search strategy was undertaken across three online databases SCOPUS, MEDLINE and Web of Science. Only original articles in English in the field of postgraduate education in surgery were included. Results: 44 studies were selected for review. Of these 44, 21 were studies of perception of a newly developed e-learning tool/platform. 17 were surveys of surgeon's attitudes towards e-learning during the COVID pandemic. The remaining 6 studies were studies of knowledge or skills acquired through new e-learning, which included a survey of experience. The United States was the most common country of origin with General Surgery the most represented surgical speciality. Response rates across all three study subgroups were on average >60%. Surgeon's experience of e-learning was reported in only positive terms in 86% (n = 38/44) of studies. Conclusions: This paper is informative in that it focuses specifically on surgeons' perceptions of a e-learning tools used in addition to skills or knowledge gained. Positive e-learning experience reported in these studies may lead to more blended learning curriculums being developed, deployed and evaluated going forward.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e94-e99
JournalSurgeon
Volume22
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2024

Keywords

  • COVID
  • E-learning
  • Surgeons

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Perceptions of online surgical-focused learning amongst surgeons during the COVID pandemic: A scoping review 2020–22'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this