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

Krishnapillai, Ambigga and Lugova, Halyna and Haque, Mainul and Suthahar, Ariaratnam and Abdul Aziz, Aznida Firzah and Hasan Maziz, Mohammad Nazmul and Shridhar Patil, Sapna and Daher, Aqil M and Muhammad Ali, Suhaila and A. Rahman, Nor Azlina and A Rahman, Nor Iza and Chowdhury, Kona and Sharma, Paras and Etando, Ayukafangha and Kumar, Santosh and Abdullah, Adnan and Shahwan, Moyad and Godman, Brian (2022) The shock of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on health professionals’ education: A pilot qualitative study in Malaysia. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. pp. 1-10. ISSN 2231-3354

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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.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Consequence, feasibility study, experimental trial, healthcare provider, pedagogy, 2019 novel coronavirus, pandemic, Malaysia.
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LC Special aspects of education
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Physical Rehabilitation Sciences Kulliyyah of Dentistry Kulliyyah of Dentistry > Department of Restorative Dentistry
Depositing User:	Dr. Nor Azlina A Rahman
Date Deposited:	10 Aug 2023 17:38
Last Modified:	10 Aug 2023 17:38
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/106022

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