Perceptions of Medical Students on the Transition to and Impact of Online Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated a swift transition to online learning within medical education, disrupting traditional methods of teaching and learning. Objective This study aims to investigate the perceptions of medical students regarding the sudden shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their education and personal development as future healthcare professionals. Methods A qualitative grounded theory approach was employed to collect and analyze data from semi-structured interviews with 23 medical students across all stages of their education at a university in Ajman, UAE. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure a diverse representation, and interviews were analyzed to identify emergent themes. Results The thematic analysis revealed multifaceted student experiences, highlighting challenges such as concentration difficulties (reported by students from all years), lack of hands-on experience (particularly for clinical year students), restricted communication with peers and faculty, and diminished interactivity leading to heightened stress levels and decreased motivation. The positive outcomes included increased independence as learners, improved time management, and the opportunity for flexible schedules. Additionally, students suggested future improvements like the continued recording of lectures, more frequent online quizzes, and the augmentation of session interactivity. Conclusions Medical students faced significant challenges with the transition to online learning, which prompted an evolution in their learning approaches, underscoring the need for a more blended educational model that combines the strengths of traditional and online methods. The recommendations derived from this study could inform about future educational strategies to better support medical students in similar situations.