Vascular e-Learning in the MENA Region during the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Published in: Dubai medical journal Vol. 6; no. 2; pp. 120 - 123
• Main Authors: Patelis, Nikolaos, Matheiken, Sean, Bisdas, Theodosios, Jing, Zaiping, Feng, Jiaxuan, Trenner, Matthias, Ocke Reis, Paulo Eduardo, Elkouri, Stephane, Lecis, Alexandre, Le Roux, Dirk, Ionac, Mihai, Berczeli, Marton, Jongkind, Vincent, Yeung, Kak Khee, Katsargyris, Athanasios, Avgerinos, Efthymios, Moris, Dimitrios, Choong, Andrew, Ng, Jun Jie, Cvjetko, Ivan, Antoniou, George A., Ghibu, Phillipe, Svetlikov, Alexei, Ebben, Harm P., Stepak, Hubert, Kostiv, Sviatoslav, Ancetti, Stefano, Tadayon, Niki, Fidalgo-Domingos, Liliana, Sarutte Rosello, Eduardo Sebastian, Isik, Arda, Kakavia, Kyriaki, Georgopoulos, Sotirios
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel, Switzerland Karger Publishers 01-06-2023
• Subjects: covid-19 pandemic; Educational Corner – Research Article; mena region; modes of learning; vascular e-learning; MENA region; Covid-19 pandemic; Vascular e-learning; Modes of learning
• ISSN: 2571-726X; 2571-726X
• DOI: 10.1159/000529570

Introduction: With the steady rise in interest in e-learning and the sudden boost provoked by the COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes necessary to explore the e-learning experience within the medical community in the MENA region. Methods: An online survey was conducted during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (June 15 – October 15, 2020). Results: Seventy-eight vascular surgeons and trainees from 16 countries participated. 88% of the participants were male. 55% attended more than 4 activities. More than half of the activities did not lead to any official certification. Topic was the primary determinant for attending an activity. National societies and social media played a major role in disseminating activity-related information. Lack of time, increased workload, differences in time zone, and technical issues were the main obstacles cited. 84.7% of the participants had a positive impression. Conclusion: As the COVID-19 pandemic boosted e-learning activities in vascular surgery, a shift was observed in the learning mode and new leadership skills were called upon. Novel ways of quality control are required.