The shock of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on health professionals’ education: A pilot qualitative study in Malaysia

Ambigga Krishnapillai, Halyna Lugova, Mainul Haque*, Suthahar Ariaratnam, Aznida Firzah Binti Abdul Aziz, Mohammad Nazmul Hasan Maziz, Sapna Shridhar Patil, Aqil M. Daher, Suhaila Muhammad Ali, Nor Azlina A. Rahman, Nor Iza A. Rahman, Kona Chowdhury, Paras Sharma, Ayukafangha Etando, Santosh Kumar, Adnan Abdullah, Moyad Shahwan, Brian Godman*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Various measures were introduced globally to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including travel restrictions, social distancing, and closure of educational establishments. Implementing these measures resulted in appreciable changes to health professions’ education (HPE) with concerns regarding the level of preparedness among faculty members and students towards e-learning, including laboratory, clinical, and other forms of hands-on training. In addition, the affordability of devices and Internet bundles arose, especially among students in low and middle-income countries. A pilot qualitative study was conducted in Malaysia to ascertain critical challenges and how higher learning establishments addressed them. The study was undertaken among 10 purposely selected educators in both public and private universities in Malaysia using an established questionnaire to ascertain critical challenges and responses. The main issues included unfamiliarity with e-learning approaches and inadequate availability of devices and Internet bundles among students. Furthermore, the study revealed a lack of interaction between faculty members and students, concerns with conducting practicals and clinical examinations, and mental distress among faculty members. Measures introduced to address concerns included supporting digital needs through the provision of software, devices, and Internet bundles, enhanced training of educators in e-learning approaches, providing clinical case banks and curated patient data, and establishing clear policies and procedures for classroom and clinical teaching. Psychological support, including stress management, was also provided. The challenges and lessons learned in Malaysia regarding HPE during the pandemic were similar to other countries with hybrid learning here to stay.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)161-171
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science
Volume12
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Keywords

  • 2019 novel coronavirus
  • Consequence
  • Experimental trial
  • Feasibility study
  • Healthcare provider
  • Malaysia
  • Pandemic
  • Pedagogy

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