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Hybrid Conferences in the Post-COVID-19 Era: Time Yet for a Paradigm Shift for Medical Associations.
Devaraj, Dinesh Kumar; Barua, Shyamanta; Nair, Neeta Karal; Reddy, Raghunatha R; Chathra, Namitha; Devi, Aruna; Agarwal, Dipak Kumar; Somaiah, Savitha; Jagadish, P.
  • Devaraj DK; Dr Dinesh's Skin & Hair Clinic, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
  • Barua S; Department of Dermatology, Assam Medical College & Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam, India.
  • Nair NK; Dr Dinesh's Skin & Hair Clinic, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
  • Reddy RR; Roots Skin Institute of Dermatological Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
  • Chathra N; Department of Dermatology, P.E.S. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
  • Devi A; Essence Skin Clinic, Guwahati, Assam, India.
  • Agarwal DK; Department of Dermatology & Venereology, Gauhati Medical College & Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India.
  • Somaiah S; Roots Skin Institute of Dermatological Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
  • Jagadish P; Cuticare Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
J Cutan Aesthet Surg ; 15(1): 82-85, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1865608
ABSTRACT
Since the first COVID-19 lockdown in India was declared, all scientific conferences and related activities have been conducted in online formats (1). The ACS(I) [Association of Cutaneous Surgeons (India)] conducted its Annual National Conference called ACSICON-2021 for over 1150 delegates in mid-2021 in a hybrid mode. ACS(I) was one of the first organizations to embrace the hybrid conferencing strategy in the post-COVID-19 era in India. However, while meeting feedback and testimonials are typically gathered, there is very little public data documenting conference attendees' viewpoints. The goal of this research study was to look at the viewpoints of medical conference attendees (such as physicians and medical professionals) on hybrid conferencing as a future trend, the danger of infectivity and transmissibility of COVID-19 during and after the event, the effectiveness of stringent safety protocols and vaccination in preventing the disease and thereby assess the feasibility of hybrid conference as the most convenient mode of learning interaction in the current COVID-19 era and also Post COVID-19 era. Materials and

Methods:

The physical attendees were surveyed post-ACSICON 2021 conference online, using a mixed-methods technique. Attendees were given a 16-point questionnaire using Google Forms that covered subjects including the COVID-19 preventive procedure, immunization status, infection rates during and after the conference, and overall satisfaction with the hybrid conference. A total of 231 people were sent the survey questionnaire.

Results:

Only 0.4% (n = 1) of the participants reported being infected by COVID-19 virus after the conference. 86% (n = 198) of the respondents also felt that all the necessary precautions were taken during the ACSICON 2021conference. Most of the respondents (82%, n = 189) rated the hybrid conference interaction to be more satisfying than an online conference. An overwhelming majority of the respondents (92%, n = 209) found hybrid conferences to be a safer option than regular conference.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 pandemic's scope has forced a paradigm change in medical practice and research (1). ACSICON 2021 is an example of how, with careful organization, strict implementation of meticulous preventive procedures, and strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocol, medical conferences may be held without danger of infection and its transmission. Given the pace with which vaccinations are being administered, a new reality in which technology and live networking intersect via hybrid conferences will result in a more engaging and adaptable medical conference experience. In the long run, this can bring about a significant shift in the conduct of scientific meetings to best suit delegates' needs and conveniences.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Observational study Topics: Long Covid / Vaccines Language: English Journal: J Cutan Aesthet Surg Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: JCAS.JCAS_207_21

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Observational study Topics: Long Covid / Vaccines Language: English Journal: J Cutan Aesthet Surg Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: JCAS.JCAS_207_21