Remote delivery of post-graduate allied health professional prescribing education: A survey of the student experience

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid transition of many educational courses to an online delivery model which has not been fully investigated in relation to the student experience. The aim of this study was to explore the learning experience of postgraduate allied health professionals enrolled on an online prescribing programme at an institution within Northern Ireland. A mixed methods cross-sectional survey of postgraduate AHP prescribing students who had undertaken online learning and assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic was carried out. The survey was distributed to 120 students with 51 responses received resulting in a response rate of 42.5%. There was no statistically significant relationship identified between previous student experience of online learning and overall satisfaction with the current postgraduate programme. Thematic analysis revealed that 82% of respondents described their experience as excellent or very good. Flexibility was highlighted as key factor in student satisfaction allowing materials to be rewatched at preferred times. 80% of respondents answered that they preferred the flipped approach versus live synchronous activities and thematic analysis highlighted that this enhanced the student learning experience. However, a strong theme of social isolation emerged as a significant inhibitor in relation to the student experience and needs to be addressed in future online post-graduate programme delivery.