The impact of COVID-19-related educational disruption on final year medical students in Birmingham, United Kingdom: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. Public health measures that intended to limit the spread of the virus had the unintended effect of necessitating the swift development of novel medical educational methods. The medical students most affected by this period of change were those entering their final year. This study aims to explore their perceptions of the impacts of COVID-19 on their clinical learning and mental health, as well as identify ways in which medical schools can mitigate these impacts.  Methods: This is a mixed method, single-site descriptive study comprising two parts: a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Participants were final year medical students at the University of Birmingham, UK.  Results: Key themes identified were learning opportunities, changes to assessments, communication, and wellbeing. Students were also found to experience higher levels of anxiety mid-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic.  Conclusion: The pandemic has had widespread effects on the learning and wellbeing of final year medical students, which may impact their competence and confidence as junior doctors. Improved two-way communication and access to wellbeing services have been identified as factors promoting the adjustment of students to rapid changes in teaching methods and assessments.