Impact and consequences of COVID-19 on teaching and learning in Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Abstract. Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world in many ways. From health issues at the individual level to sometimes catastrophic negative impact on the healthcare systems around the world, the pandemic has affected the economic, social, and emotional well-being of societies. Aim. To evaluate the effects of the pandemic on teaching and learning domains at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, in order to get a broader picture of the effects of the pandemic on higher medical education in the Republic of Moldova. Methods. The observational study was conducted in the period of 2020–2021 in the Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Study instrument included an on-line questionnaire about the satisfaction of the employee and beneficiaries. Teachers and students answered questions about the methods of conducting classes initially on various platforms during the pandemic. Results. 64 008 questionnaires from students, residents, trainees, and other beneficiaries were collected, completed, and analysed. The average level of satisfaction increased from 93 % in 2019–2020 to 95 % in 2020–2021, which indicates an additional confidence and trust in the values and actions undertaken by the university community. The study revealed the challenges faced by higher medical education. These include the forced adaptation of students and teachers to online educational activities; declining quality of education; uncertainty in the applicability of the knowledge obtained and its use in practice, low level of skills of teachers and students in the use of digital tools, the gap in the digital culture of the younger and older generations of teachers.