Studying medicine from home: an cross-sectional study on the impact of online education in Romanian medical students

Abstract

Introduction Despite the literature regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, there is little research that specifically targets medical students and their relationship with online courses in regards to engagement and feelings of inadequacy. Objectives This cross-sectional study aims to explore such questions by evaluating a small (N=169) sample of Romanian medical students and applying self-reporting questionnaires in order to quantify subjective levels of burnout and imposter phenomenon Methods Responders filled an online survey with question regarding miscellaneous socio-demographic factors, alont with the Academic Burnout Scale (ABS), Clarence Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) and Ohio Resilience Scale (ORS). Results were collected and analysed for subsequent correlations. Results Predictably, respondents already in favour with online courses showed less signs of burnout and higher levels of resilience. While higher-year students preferred online courses, particularly final year students, it was lower-year students who showed higher level of resilience and lower burnout and imposter phenomenon levels, possibly suggesting a more profound impact of online education on students in clinical rotations, as opposed to pre-clinical ones. No statistically significant correlations were found between socio-demographic factors and the self-reported ratings, showing that feelings of burnout and imposter phenomenon were equally distributed among genders. Conclusions The results of this study present a snapshot into the opinions of future Romanian medical professionals on their own education and, in spite of its methodological limitations, can function as a starting point for deeper and more exhaustive inquiry regarding medical education during COVID-19 times. Disclosure of Interest None Declared