Author:
Gupta Mahima,Bakshi Sumitra G.,Rane Ashwini D.,Shrivastava Anjana,Patole Monali R.,Gaikwad Sheetal V.,Salunke Bindiya G.
Abstract
Background and Aims:
Training novices in anaesthesia include critical care, pain management and operating room procedures. Due to the vast curriculum and limited classroom teaching slots, an asynchronistic teaching programme for postoperative pain management was started. We aimed to understand the residents’ perspective of the WhatsApp and videoconference-based educational programme.
Methods:
All 30 1st-year residents admitted to the Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain in the batch 2020 were included in the study. Five consultants introduced each topic and posted questions in the dedicated WhatsApp group, encouraging active participation. Residents were supposed to post their responses within 2-week intervals, fostering a sense of responsibility. The doubt sessions were taken through videoconferencing, providing a platform for interactive learning. At the end of the program, all 30 residents were given a copy of the questionnaire, including quantitative questions (Likert-based) and open-ended questions, to gather their valuable feedback. Two non-faculty members captured the answers to the open-ended questions on blank sheets, ensuring their opinions were heard.
Results:
Almost 97% of the residents agreed that this online teaching programme was helpful during their bedside pain rounds. Fifty per cent felt optimally involved in the programme, whereas 76% of the residents realised that this mode of online teaching on WhatsApp is good for learning anytime and anywhere. However, 84% of the residents still believed that traditional education is superior to online.
Conclusion:
Most of the postgraduate residents realised that WhatsApp-based training helps improve knowledge and bedside patient management; the knowledge source was handy, available at any time they required and without any screen addiction. However, the residents preferred classroom teaching over WhatsApp-based learning as they were more attentive and grasped better.