The value of webinars during COVID-19 pandemic: A questionnaire-based survey

• Published in: Indian journal of urology 2022-07, Vol.38 (3), p.204-209
• Main Authors: Dev, Preetham, Thyavihally, B, Waigankar, Santosh, Agarwal, Varun, Pednekar, Abhinav, Shah, Akash
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Learning; Original; Pandemics; Urology
• ISSN: 0970-1591; 1998-3824
• DOI: 10.4103/iju.iju_349_21

Introduction: An opportunity for e-learning has been created by the ongoing pandemic and lockdown, along with the availability of efficient technology. Webinars have filled in the lacunae of the learning process. We conducted an online survey to evaluate the interest and opinion regarding webinars, which enables for standardization of future webinars and reap the maximum benefits. Methods: An online survey was conducted among practicing urologists and urology residents. The survey was formulated and edited by a group of urologists and uro-oncologists who had experience conducting several regional and international conferences and webinars. The survey comprised 39 questions divided into six parts. Results: A total of 328 urologists throughout the country participated in the survey, and 303 complete responses were obtained for the analysis. 67.3% subjects felt that live webinars are the preferred method of knowledge exchange during the coronavirus disease pandemic, and 58.1% felt that this concept of webinars had to be extended even after the pandemic was over. Few shortcomings in the webinars included lack of networking (41.3%), lack of personal connection (73.3%), and lack of practical skills (35%). About 85.5% felt that the duration should be