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Online learning: an effective option for teaching ENT to medical students?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 July 2022

A Ijaz*
Affiliation:
Sheffield Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
S Sundar
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
S Zuberi
Affiliation:
Department of Surgery, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
S Richards
Affiliation:
Sheffield Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Ali Ijaz, Sheffield Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK

Abstract

Objective

ENT is underrepresented in the curriculum, and this has been compounded by coronavirus disease 2019. Recent restructures have removed ENT placements from the curriculum. This lack of exposure needs to be addressed, and increased use of online learning represents an opportunity to facilitate this. This study aimed to evaluate whether online learning can effectively deliver undergraduate ENT teaching.

Methods

An online ENT module was created; content was structured on the Sheffield Medical School curriculum. Pre- and post-module tests and 5-point Likert scales were used to assess student knowledge and confidence, respectively.

Results

A total of 115 participants were recruited. Test scores improved by 29 per cent (p < 0.001) and confidence by 66 per cent. Anatomy and ENT conditions demonstrated significant improvement in confidence, with a lower confidence score for examination.

Conclusion

This study showed improved knowledge and confidence, whilst highlighting greater efficacy in content over practical skills teaching. Online learning is a validated educational tool; however, it should not be used as a replacement but as an adjunct to supplement learning.

Type
Main Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Dr A Ijaz takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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