ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: To cope with COVID-19 pandemic control precautions, many surgical residency programs have adopted a Declared Health Emergency rotation to minimize exposure to the COVID-19. We evaluated the experience and educational value of virtual education activities by reviewing the perceptions of the Declared Health Emergency rotation participants through survey questionnaire analysis. METHODS: Participants of the Declared Health Emergency rotation virtual educational activities were asked to complete a survey questionnaire describing their perception and experience. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 100% (faculty, nâ¯=â¯13; residents, nâ¯=â¯8; nurse practitioners/physician assistants, nâ¯=â¯4). The majority reported that virtual activities required minimal technical skills (nâ¯=â¯17, 68%). Compared to the traditional in-person conferences before the pandemic, the majority reported that they participated in virtual rounds more often or the same (nâ¯=â¯22, 88%), that the overall level and quality of interactions were the same or better (nâ¯=â¯19, 76%), and that the knowledge gained was the same or more (nâ¯=â¯22, 88%). All respondents reported that virtual conferences educational objectives were met. CONCLUSION: The quality of education and the knowledge gain during the virtual educational activities are equivalent or better than in the traditional face-to-face activities. The use of technology in virtual educational activities is a practical and convenient approach to achieve the desired educational objectives during and potentially after the COVID-19 pandemic.