Virtual Delivery of Medical Education: A Physician Assistant Program Literature Review
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Date
0002-05-15
Authors
Kasper, Laural
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Abstract
Introduction: In the past few years of the Corona virus (COVID-19) we have seen a significant
shift in the delivery of education that incorporates more online components. A virtual model of
teaching has been adopted in many institutions worldwide. In the context of training physician
assistants (PAs), the question remains if virtual medical teaching is effective enough to be
continued as an educational strategy. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the
evidence regarding the application and efficacy of virtual teaching (VT), with the aim of
program improvement for PA students. This was done by reviewing emerging literature for
evidence to determine if a virtual approach to PA education is effective. Methods: A
comprehensive literature review of peer reviewed articles within North America from the year
2000-2023 was conducted. Electronic databases such as PubMed and the Journal of Physician
Assistant Education (JPAE) were searched using key terms “physician assistant” AND
“virtual” AND “education”. Inclusionary and exclusionary criteria were determined and applied
to a total of 108 articles, which were screened by title and abstract. Full-text screening was
completed on an eligible 27 articles. Data extraction was done on the final 12 articles, which
were utilized in this literature review. Results: The outcomes of the 12 studies reviewed were
organized utilizing the Kirkpatrick model of program evaluation. This model was used to
compare advantages, disadvantages, student responses, effects of learning, behavioural changes,
and organizational benefits. Overall, most pilot virtual programming was well-received and
reviewed in the above comparative categories. Conclusion: Virtual education increases access to
programs and can be an effective and cost-efficient method to teach PA students. Virtual
education should be considered in current program curricula and further studied to determine
long-term outcomes.