How Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted UK Medical Students’ Experiences of Teaching and Learning? A National Survey

Problem

The COVID-19 pandemic, and resulting social distancing restrictions, has caused an unprecedented disruption to the delivery of medical education worldwide. In the UK, the role of the medical student during the pandemic has been debated. We seek to elicit the view of UK medical students regarding the impact on, and changes to, their teaching and learning during this time. We also aim to seek their opinion on their role during this pandemic.

Approach

In a joint project between University College London Medical School and University of Newcastle Medical School, we sought the opinions of UK medical students using a national online survey. This has been distributed nationally via the Heads of Schools.

Findings

The survey is currently live; with over 180 responses thus far. Results will be presented with particular focus on clinical on-site learning, clinical off-site learning, synchronous and asynchronous remote teaching and the role of medical students during the pandemic.

Consequences

We will present the impact of the COVID pandemic on UK medical students' learning and teaching, and their role during the pandemic from their point of view. We hope this feedback can be utilised in order to help guide and develop both pandemic and post-pandemic teaching and learning in the future.