The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Education of Medical Students

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of distance learning for Ukrainian medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Universal and specific medical specialties problems of distance education is identified. The research was specifically targeted at tracking the dynamics of improving the conditions for implementing the educational process during the adaptation period of quarantine measures. The study involved content analysis, Computer Audio-Recorded Interviewing (CARI), face-to-face interviews, in-depth interviews, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of the results of empirical research. The model of two-stage diagnostics of the state of distance education in vocational medical colleges of Ukraine (2020-2021) is presented. The results of the linear experiment showed a positive trend in: the quality of the Internet and the workplace arrangement of medical students, special training in distance education technologies, the use of unified educational platforms, reduced stress level in students, and increased assessment objectivity. Stereotypes about distance education as forced and ineffective in the development of practical skills (remained steady). Online technologies in medical education require qualified scientific and methodological support for teaching.