Effect of Rapid Digitalization on Medical Faculty - A Qualitative Study.

Background and objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic forced academic institutions to suspend face-to-face activities, causing a drastic shift to a remote and online setting for learning and teaching. While necessary, the sudden change created a lasting effect on the constituents of medical schools whose curriculum relied on lectures, clinical skills, and hospital experience in teaching its students. This study aims to describe the effect of the rapid digitalization on the medical faculty at the St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine-William H. Quasha Memorial (SLMCCM) in Metro Manila, Philippines.

Methods: Members of the medical faculty of the college were invited to participate in focus group discussions (FGDs) where four frames were discussed, namely content, pedagogy, technology, and mindset. Responses taken in the FGDs underwent thematic analysis to find commonalities and patterns among the concerns and comments of the faculty.

Results: Analysis of faculty feedback regarding the four frames revealed a spectrum of responses, encompassing both positive and negative sentiments. Content-related feedback predominantly focused on strategies for effectively segmenting and synthesizing information within the online environment. Pedagogical concerns are primarily centered on adapting teaching methods and delivery styles to the online format. Technological feedback highlighted the perceived advantages and limitations of online platforms and tools, as well as the role of technological support in facilitating the transition to online instruction. Finally, a significant portion of the feedback addressed the psychological effects of the pandemic on faculty members as medical educators, with responses ranging from expressions of fear to statements of confidence.

Conclusion: In the context of the evolving educational landscape, particularly the accelerated adoption of online and hybrid learning models in medical education, faculty recognition of the necessity of digitalization is paramount. Despite the inherent challenges of this transition, the faculty's demonstrated openness to change and innovation presents a significant opportunity for institutional growth. By continuing to invest in these technologies, institutions can not only enhance the medical curriculum but also prepare future physicians for the increasingly digital nature of healthcare delivery.