The Effect of a Virtual Grand Round on Satisfaction and the Level of Learning of Physiotherapy and Speech Therapy Students During the Coronavirus Pandemic

With the Coronavirus pandemic, disability and the students’ absence in clinical settings, the educational system of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences decided to hold a virtual grand round, teaching the clinical courses to address the shortcomings of clinical education. This study aimed to investigate the level of satisfaction and learning of students from holding the Grand Round. Methods: The present study was quasi-experimental study. The study population consisted of 36 undergraduate students in physiotherapy and speech therapy; The Grand Round in specific cases of the disease was presented to students, in the clinical training. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire to assess the level of satisfaction with the virtual grand round and an electronic test to assess learning from the topics. Results: The majority of students were moderate to highly satisfied (more than 70%) with the virtual grand round in speech therapy and physiotherapy groups. There was a significant difference between test scores before and after the grand round of the speech therapy group (P= 0.002), whereas, in the physiotherapy group there was no significant difference between the scores before and after the test (P= 0.3). Discussion: Regarding the level of students' satisfaction retaining the Grand Round and increasing their level of knowledge, it is suggested that virtual group discussions be held in clinical education courses in other faculties of rehabilitation sciences and related fields, especially during pandemic conditions of coronavirus and the impossibility of face-to-face training.