Vascular E-Learning in Mainland China: results of the e-Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic (EL-COVID) study

Abstract Purpose: With the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic, digitalization came to the forefront of education delivery and continuous professional development took place predominantly online. We investigate the relevance of e-Learning in the vascular surgery community in mainland People’s Republic of China (PRC) and address the regional variability in comparison with the international community Methods: The international EL-COVID survey took place online from June 15, 2020 to October 15, 2020. We subtracted and analyzed the data from the PRC participants. Results: From 84 different countries, PRC had the largest contribution to the EL-COVID study (n = 109, 12.7%). Most of the Chinese responders were experienced vascular surgeons (73.39% vs. 53.81%; p=0.0001) and attended more than four eL activities (52.29% vs. 54.08%; not significant). Female vascular surgeons were underrepresented: 7.33% vs. 23.15%; p=0.0002. While participation at international activities did not vary, attendance at national eL activities was reduced (27.52% vs. 73.62%, p<0.0001). Obtaining official accreditation/CME points was relevant in choosing what eL opportunities to attend. Employers were less supportive of participation during working hours (17.43% vs. 46.52%; p<0,0001). eL opportunities were mainly promoted on social media (44.04% vs. 27.17%; p=0.0003) and to a lesser degree through direct contact from national/international societies (27.52% vs. 39.49%; p=0.016). Conclusion: As in other countries, eL is gaining relevance in the vascular surgery community of PRC. Adequate support as well as improving the dissemination strategy of national societies are needed to meet the demands of the modern vascular surgeon.