Abstract
To analyse the perception towards using YouTube videos in clinical examination in surgery module during COVID-19 pandemic, a cohort study included sixth year medical students of two consecutive batches in their surgery course at the college of medicine, university of Ha'il, throughout the academic years 2019- 2021. Suitability of YouTube was predetermined, all unsuitable were excluded. Clinical sessions were initiated as distance e-learning. Then after, data were collected using a predesigned online questionnaire. The informed consent as well as ethical clearance were obtained prior to conduct the study. Gathered data were examined by SPSS version 25.0. A-151 responses (79 females and 72 males) were recruited in the final assessment (93.2% inclusion rate). The participant's perception was significantly more positive than negative. They agreed/strongly agreed that YouTube enhances the learning process, and increases interest and understanding in 66.2% (P=0.000) and 70.8% (P=0.000) respectively. In another view, they agreed/strongly agreed that it increases the depth of understanding the content of clinical examination and helps them to get more deeply involved with the clinical examination in 68.2% (P=0.000) and 66.3% (P=0.001) respectively. About 72.8% preferred the combination of both videos and in person teaching of clinical examination Hybrid" (P=0.000). Short videos of less than 15 minutes were preferred by 72.8% (P=0.000). Gender has no impact on the perceived values. In conclusion, the obtained results may support the inclusion of online video-supported resources that may be useful for medical students to strengthen and gain surgical clinical skills.