E-learning as a tool to impart knowledge of surgical procedures in the undergraduate medical teaching

Authors

  • Poomalar G. K. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SMVMCH, Puducherry, India
  • Ilamathi S. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SMVMCH, Puducherry, India
  • Nivedita K. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SMVMCH, Puducherry, India
  • Bupathy A. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SMVMCH, Puducherry, India
  • Jayasree M. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SMVMCH, Puducherry, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20232487

Keywords:

E-learning module, Learning management system, Surgical procedures, Undergraduate teaching, YouTube channel

Abstract

Background: E-learning is in a budding stage in developing countries. As present-day students are gadget-friendly, introducing a surgical e-learning module may create interest and help in understanding the surgeries easily. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of E-learning in improving the knowledge component of surgical procedures for undergraduate students and to analyze students’ feedback regarding its usefulness.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted among 67 final-year MBBS students, who had completed 1 week of operation theatre (OT) posting in obstetrics and gynecology. Recording of videos for must-know surgeries in gynecology was done. Video editing and audio description of surgical steps were done. A YouTube channel was created and surgical videos were uploaded. Links to 2 surgical videos and additional teaching materials were uploaded to the college learning management system daily for 2 consecutive weeks. A telegram group was formed for posting questions daily. Pre-test and post-test were conducted and the results were analyzed.

Results: The mean marks obtained in the pre-test were 6.567±1.9 and the post-test was 15.22±2.5 (Paired t test p=0.0001). Students mentioned that combining OT posting with an e-learning module helped them to build their knowledge of surgical procedures. Telegram quizzes helped them to increase their understanding of surgeries. 34 students wanted e-learning module to be conducted on other topics also.

Conclusions: E-learning is highly effective in improving knowledge component of surgical procedures for undergraduate students. E-learning can be made more effective by adding formative assessment. Combining surgical e-learning module with operation theatre posting can enhance knowledge and understanding.

References

Cook DA, Levinson AJ, Garside S, Dupras DM, Erwin PJ, Montori VM. Internet-Based Learning in the Health Professions: A Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2008;300(10):1181-96.

Jayakumar N, Brunckhorst O, Dasgupta P, Khan MS, Ahmed K. E-Learning in surgical education: a systematic review. J Surg Educ. 2015;72(6):1145-57.

Larvin M. E-Learning in surgical education and training. ANZ J Surg. 2009;79(3):133-7.

Kulier R, Coppus SF, Zamora J, Hadley J, Malick S, Das K et al. The effectiveness of a clinically integrated e-learning course in evidence-based medicine: a cluster randomised controlled trial. BMC Med Educ 2009;9:21.

Wiecha JM, Vanderschmidt H, Schilling K. HEAL: an instructional design model applied to an online clerkship in family medicine. Acad Med. 2002;77(9):925-6.

Bhatti I, Jones K, Richardson L, Foreman D, Lund J, Tierney G. E-learning vs lecture: which is the best approach to surgical teaching? Color Dis. 2011;13(4):459-62.

Aryal KR, Pereira J. E-learning in surgery. Indian J Surg. 2014;76(6):487-93.

Gao H, Wu H, Wu X. Chances and Challenges: What E-Learning Brings to Traditional Teaching. 2018 9th International Conference on Information Technology in Medicine and Education. 2018;420-2.

Ruiz JG, Mintzer MJ, Leipzig RM. The impact of E-learning in medical education. Acad Med. 2006;81:207-12.

Huynh R. The Role of E-Learning in Medical Education. Acad Med. 2017;92:430.

El Boghdady M, Ewalds-Kvist BM, Alijani A. A review of online platforms in training and surgical education. Eur Surg. 2019;51:41-8.

Frehywot S, Vovides Y, Talib Z, Mikhail N, Ross H, Wohltjen H et al. E-learning in medical education in resource-constrained low- and middle-income countries. Hum Resour Heal. 2013;11:4.

Bains M, Reynolds PA, McDonald F, Sherriff M. Effectiveness and acceptability of face-to-face, blended and e-learning: a randomised trial of orthodontic undergraduates. Eur J Dent Educ. 2011;15:110-7.

Armstrong P, Elliott T, Ronald J, Paterson B. Comparison of traditional and interactive teaching methods in a UK emergency department. Eur J Emerg Med. 2009;16(6):327-9.

Haagsman ME, Scager K, Boonstra JC, Koster M. Pop-up Questions Within Educational Videos: Effects on Students’ Learning. J Sci Education Technol. 2020;29:713-24.

Dhir SK, Verma D, Batta M, Mishra D. E-Learning in Medical Education in India. Indian Pediatr. 2017;54(10):871-7.

Downloads

Published

2023-08-10

Issue

Section

Original Research Articles