Changes in undergraduate medical education due to COVID-19: a systematic review

Objective: This study aims to provide medical educators with insights into the current status and prospects of undergraduate medical education, which has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: We conducted a database search of PubMed, Embase, and ERIC and identified articles on COVID-19-related undergraduate medical education. We independently reviewed titles and abstracts and extracted data on the geographic location of the study, area of specialty, phase in medical school (preclinical year, clerkship year, etc.), type of paper, and the main content of the study. Results: A total of 49 articles published across multiple countries were included in this study. These were categorized as dealing with either (1) curriculum changes in undergraduate medical education due to COVID-19 or (2) student-led educational activities related to COVID-19. The 41 articles in the first category showed two main trends: replacing in-person lectures with online classes in the preclinical years and adopting various remote educational methods to compensate for the discontinued or truncated clerkship in the clinical years. The eight articles in the second category showcased various student educational activities that were conducted to meet the public's medical needs during the pandemic. Conclusions: This review summarized the essential changes in undergraduate medical education worldwide and reflected on the various teaching methods adopted by medical schools. In preparation for the post-COVID era, a comprehensive online curriculum and evaluation tools are needed, which require the development of necessary infrastructure and adequate resources. Education aimed at helping students be more socially aware and responsible as medical professionals must be promoted.