Virtual meetings on morbidity and mortality in Co-lombia: An exploratory study

Abstract

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic changed medi-cal education, with strategies supported by virtual platforms and non-conventional scenarios. An example of this is the morbidity and mortality meetings (M&M). The objective of this study is to find the characteristics of virtual M&M meetings in different institutions focused on general surgery resident ́s students in Colombia, and how medical residents and professors feel about them compared to the traditional face-to-face meetings. Methodology: This is an observational, and descriptive study in 21 hospital practice institutions of 17 General Surgery programs in Colombia, where virtual M&M operate. Information was obtained on their objectives, operational characteristics and scope. Additionally, in self-completion surveys, the participants’ perception about the usefulness and operation was investigated, this, because of the shift to virtuality. There was participation of 82 residents and 65 professors from different postgraduate programs in General Surgery in the country. Results: Virtual M&Ms continue in 53% of the practice sites, with a predominance in private institutions. There are differences in their organization, although the traditional M&M model persists: objectives, structure, and scope. There is a longer duration of meetings, uncon-ventional schedules and the perception of a reduced academic level. There is an improvement in the hostile environment, within the virtuality. Conclusion: M&Ms have a place in a virtual scenario. Its operation is like face-to-face meetings, and its execution offers opportunities for improvement in terms of form and content.

Keywords

• general surgery
• medical education
• methods
• morbidity
• pandemic
• virtual reality