Perception of resident doctors on postgraduate education during the COVID-19 pandemic: a preliminary assessment

Introduction. The aim of this study was to assess the results of the impact of the first year of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) pandemic on the postgraduate hybrid educational process (virtual/e-learning and traditional) from a resident-centred perspective, in a group of general dentistry resident doctors. Materials and methods. A questionnaire with 32 items (Q1-Q32) was configured using Google Forms and filled online, anonymously. In the first section, demographic information was collected. The other sections collected data about: 1) technical support), 2) the impact of traffic restriction and self-isolation, 3) the impact of preclinical/clinical online training compared to the on-site one, 4) attendance of online theoretical courses, 5) the effect of preclinical training in laboratories, 6) the degree of online interactivity and 7) general satisfaction. Excepting demographics and Q1-Q3 items, all other parts used multi-choice responses based on a five-degree Likert scale. Results. Most resident doctors did not report any problem in connection to online courses, increased anxiety, troubled concentration, or decreased learning efficiency. Conclusions. Resident doctors considered part-time e-learning process as a viable approach capable of providing a qualitative education and that the reorganization of the preclinical activity allowed them to carry out more precise and efficient procedures in the clinic.