Toward Sustainable Teaching: Staff Perceptions of the Delivery of a Rural Medical Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

What can be learned through teaching and learning in crises, such as bushfires, floods, and the global COVID-19 disruption? How can insights gained be applied to prepare for inevitable future disruption to normal operation, especially in regions identified to be prone to natural hazards? In 2021, focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with academics, clinical tutors, and professional staff members to explore staff perceptions in a regional medical school in eastern Victoria, Australia, about their experiences of teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategies are suggested to sustain teaching in times of crisis or natural disaster to future-proof against inevitable change including protocols, policy, staff checklists, and staff continuing professional development.