Satisfacción académica de los estudiantes de postgrado de Medicina Interna, durante la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2

Introduction: During the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic, adjustments to academic activities have been implemented, in order to include virtual components. The impact on student satisfaction regarding their medical education is unknown, especially in postgraduate programs. Objective: To assess the satisfaction of residents in relation to theoretical and practical components, as well as their perception of change. Methods: The Department of Internal Medicine of Pontifical Xavierian University and San Ignacio University Hospital, in Bogotá, Colombia, have changed multiple theoretical academic activities into virtual modalities. They modified healthcare activities and used technological platforms that allowed the remote participation of residents or professors. A survey was designed for assessing the satisfaction of residents in relation to the theoretical and practical components, as well as their perception of change. Results: Forty-eight residents answered the survey. More than 72% reported being partially or totally satisfied with organization, with the content of the activities, with the interdisciplinary approach, and with the opportunity to discuss topics for theoretical activities. Regarding assessment of healthcare activities, 21.9% of the residents manifested that they were not satisfied with the training that they received for clinical practice and professional life, while 31.3% manifested their dissatisfaction with the interdisciplinary approach or with the time allotted to discuss cases. 72.9% were satisfied with the technological tools used. The level of perceived stress worsened for 62.5% of the respondents, while the opportunity to develop and practice skills worsened for 64.6% of those surveyed. Conclusions: Despite the high satisfaction with the theoretical activities and the technological tools used, residents consider that the implementation of remote academic activities is associated with higher levels of stress and fewer opportunities to develop and practice clinical skills.