Impact of COVID-19 on Continuing Medical Education-Results of an Online Survey Among Users of a Non-profit Multi-Specialty Live Online Education Platform.

Background: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic accelerated digitalization in medical education. Continuing medical education (CME) as a substantial component of this system was relevantly affected. Here, we present the results of an online survey highlighting the impact on and the role of online CME. Methods: An online survey of 44 questions was completed by users of a German online CME platform receiving an invitation via newsletter. CME habits, requirements, personal perception, and impact of the pandemic were inquired. Standard statistical methods were applied. Results: A total of 2,961 responders took the survey with 2,949 completed surveys included in the final analysis. Most contributions originated from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Physicians accounted for 78.3% (57.5% hospital doctors) of responses followed by midwives (7.3%) and paramedics (5.7%). Participating physicians were mainly board-certified specialists (69%; 55.75% hospital specialists, 13.25% specialists in private practice). Frequent online lectures at regular intervals (77.8%) and combined face-to-face and online CME (55.9%) were favored. A duration of 1-2 h was found ideal (57.5%). Technical issues were less a major concern since the pandemic. Conclusion: A shift from face-to-face toward online CME events was expectedly detected since the outbreak. Online CME was accelerated and promoted by the pandemic. According to the perception of users, the CME system appears to have reacted adequately to meet their demand but does not replace human interaction.

Kontinuierliche medizinische Fortbildung in der Dermatologie für Ärzte und Studierende während der Coronavirus­Pandemie ­ eine große Herausforderung.

Kontinuierliche medizinische Fortbildung (Continuing Medical Education, CME) ist die wesentliche Grundlage der studentischen Lehre sowie der Aus- und Weiterbildung von Ärzten. Eine moderne und adäquate Patientenversorgung ist ohne sie nicht denkbar. Vor kurzem zwang die durch das schwere akute respiratorische Syndrom-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) verursachte Pandemie die gesamte medizinische Gemeinschaft, ihre Gewohnheiten bezüglich der medizinischen Fortbildung und Lehre sowie des Lernens in der Medizin zu ändern. Infolgedessen rückten über soziale Medien (Social Media) verbreitete digitale Aus-, Fortbildungs- und Lehrformate, medizinische Online-Enzyklopädien, webbasierte medizinische Lernportale und medizinische Podcasts in den Vordergrund. In diesem Beitrag geben wir einen Überblick zu aktuelle Konzepten in der medizinischen Online-Fortbildung, unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Dermatologie.

Continuing medical and student education in dermatology during the coronavirus pandemic - a major challenge.

Continuing medical education (CME) is the essential basis for student teaching and for training and further development of physicians. Without it, modern and adequate patient care is unthinkable. Recently, the coronavirus pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2), forced the entire medical community to change its usual habits of advanced medical training, teaching and learning. As a result, digital training and teaching via social media, online medical encyclopedias, web-based learning platforms and educational podcasts moved to the fore. Here, we give an overview on current concepts for online medical education, with special consideration of dermatology.