Perspectives of Medical Students on E-Learning in the Surgery Module

Objectives: The goal of this study was to explore medical students' perceptions, assess their experiences, and identify obstacles to e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to understand the factors behind its adoption and application as a learning means in the surgery module. Materials and Methods: Data were gathered from undergraduate medical students, at the University of Hail, KSA, in their surgery module using an electronic questionnaire. Subsequently, SPSS version 25.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) has been used for analysis. Results: The study included 72 students, with a participation rate of 85.7%. Students positively perceived technology (M = 4.024 +/- 0.94 and P < 0.001). Most respondents (79.5%) claimed that e-learning required less time for studying than the conventional learning technique (M = 4.14 +/- 1.052 and P < 0.001). They had positive perceptions of the implications of e-learning (M = 3.92 +/- 0.89 and P < 0.001). Regarding the perception toward instructors, 53.9% admitted that when instructors use computer technologies, it adequately met their needs. The mean agreeability to online quizzes was high (M = 3.8264 +/- 0.910). More than half preferred the blended style of learning. A-70.9% interested in using e-learning (M = 3.83 +/- 1.278 and P < 0.001). There was no statistical difference among genders (P > 0.05). Conclusion: This study addresses the determinants behind the adoption and use of e-learning within the surgery module. Therefore, it will support the event of a rational approach to an effective application of e-learning and look at it as a positive initiative toward development and alteration.

Utility of the online YouTube on physical examination in surgery module during COVID-19-pandemic

To analyse the perception towards using YouTube videos in clinical examination in surgery module during COVID-19 pandemic, a cohort study included sixth year medical students of two consecutive batches in their surgery course at the college of medicine, university of Ha'il, throughout the academic years 2019- 2021. Suitability of YouTube was predetermined, all unsuitable were excluded. Clinical sessions were initiated as distance e-learning. Then after, data were collected using a predesigned online questionnaire. The informed consent as well as ethical clearance were obtained prior to conduct the study. Gathered data were examined by SPSS version 25.0. A-151 responses (79 females and 72 males) were recruited in the final assessment (93.2% inclusion rate). The participant's perception was significantly more positive than negative. They agreed/strongly agreed that YouTube enhances the learning process, and increases interest and understanding in 66.2% (P=0.000) and 70.8% (P=0.000) respectively. In another view, they agreed/strongly agreed that it increases the depth of understanding the content of clinical examination and helps them to get more deeply involved with the clinical examination in 68.2% (P=0.000) and 66.3% (P=0.001) respectively. About 72.8% preferred the combination of both videos and in person teaching of clinical examination Hybrid" (P=0.000). Short videos of less than 15 minutes were preferred by 72.8% (P=0.000). Gender has no impact on the perceived values. In conclusion, the obtained results may support the inclusion of online video-supported resources that may be useful for medical students to strengthen and gain surgical clinical skills.

Impact of COVID 19 pandemic on breast cancer management and reconstruction in Saudi Arabia

Background: COVID-19 pandemic was a real challenge to healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in emerging nations;this study aims to provide a vision of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer (BC) management and reconstruction in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across health care practitioners;we accumulated data by an online questionnaire from 58 physicians in different specialties about the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on their practice from March 2021 to May 2021. Results: About 45% of participants reduced medical practice during Covid-19 pandemic by 10 - 30 %, and 41% reduced medical practice by 31-50%. About half of the participants (48%) treated less than five breast cancer patients infected by Covid-19, and about 36% of patients developed Covid-19 infection under chemotherapy. Conclusion: there was a considerable reduction in providing health services to patients affected by breast cancer, yet Saudi Arabia managed to get out of this pandemic with the least damage possible due to governmental efforts. In capable countries and organizations, health authorities should share their expertise and experience to prevent damage to people already suffering from a devastating disease like breast cancer.