ORIGINAL: Perception and Learning Satisfaction of Resident Doctors Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: Adaptation Experience at a Virtual Educational Course in Internal Medicine

West Afr J Med . 2022 Jul 31;39(7):678-684.

Abstract

Abstract  in English, French

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the perception of the significance of the revision course and satisfaction of resident doctors with the West African College of Physicians (WACP) revision course in internal medicine.

Methods: This was a post-training evaluation of resident doctors who had enrolled for the 2021 membership revision course in internal medicine between August 9-13, 2021. Data were collected through an electronic questionnaire composed of five sections: Sociodemographic characteristics, involvement in research, perception on the significance/expectations from the course, lessons learnt, and perception of the overall coordination of the revision course/recommendations. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequency tables. Chi-square tests were conducted to determine the association between participants' sociodemographic characteristics and satisfaction with the WACP revision course.

Results: The mean age (±SD) of the 119 resident doctors was 34.30 (± 4.81) years and the median duration (range) of residency training was 7 (4-10) years. All participants were currently in medical practice either in teaching hospitals (104,87.4%) or secondary health facilities (15, 12.6%). Overall, 108 (90.8%) doctors were satisfied with the course. Variables that were associated with satisfaction with the WACP revision course included: duration in residency training (doctors that had spent two years or less in the residency training programme) (Chi-square = 21.703, p = <0.001), place of residency training (teaching hospitals) (Chi-square = 67.461, p = <0.001), and participation in research (Chi-square = 47.976, p = <0.001).

Conclusion: The WACP revision course in internal medicine met its objectives. Engagement of resident doctors in research activities should be undertaken intensely.

Keywords: Africa; Internal medicine; Medical education; Medical practice; Residency training.