Presented By: Ana Muñoz Juárez, Asociación Mexicana de Médicos En Formación A.C.
Co-Authors: Marco Antonio Castañón Gómez, Asociación Mexicana de Médicos En Formación A.C.
Cinthya Margarita Flores Félix, Colectivo Medicxs en Formación
Irene Gómez Oropeza, Asociación Mexicana de Médicos En Formación A.C.
Hassler Stefan Macías Sánchez, Asociación Mexicana de Médicos En Formación A.C.
Xavier Abraham Rodriguez Bello, Asociación Mexicana de Médicos En Formación A.C.
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic brought various positive and negative changes in all biopsychosocial axes of medical students and medical education. Therefore, it is relevant for medical education to evaluate the sequelae acquired after the pandemic period derived from the SARS-CoV2 infection.
Methods
The present article is a cross-sectional online survey that aims to assess the self-perception of the practical clinical skills of medical students in Mexico. The questionnaire contained 24 items to evaluate on a numerical scale from 1 to 10 the self-perception of these skills plus if the student associates the capacity level with online education during the pandemic period. We shared the survey with physicians in training from a students' association called AMMEF through a Google Gmail Server. The practical clinical skills were defined as writing a medical record, bandages and splint application, beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation, medical procedures, knots and sutures techniques, and performing physical examination.
Results
We received 147 answers from medical students from 33 medical schools in Mexico. The gathered data showed that just one practical skill learned during the COVID-19 pandemic was considered by the students affected by the online educational strategies implemented. This skill was writing medical records.(p=0.001; OR=0.17; IC=0.0602 to 0.5183). Nevertheless, at the end of the survey, open space was left so they could share any other skill not integrated into the survey that was self-perceived as unable to perform.
Conclusion
This study showed that Mexican medical students are self-perceived as unable to write a medical record. This finding represents an educational opportunity for medical schools when they return to clinical rotations in hospitals, as well as giving courses to their students to ensure the development of these capabilities in their doctors in training.