An Observation of Healthcare Professions Students' Perceptions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study conveys preclinical healthcare professions students' sentiments at 14 universities during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Essays about students' thoughts and experiences were thematically sorted and revealed a variety of sentiments spanning from positive (e.g., pride, respect) to the more negative (e.g., anxiety, guilt, disappointment, anger). Themes revealed respect for the healthcare profession, but also the realization of its limitations, sacrifices, and risks. Healthcare profession educators need to be aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected students emotionally and may have long-term effects on the global healthcare profession. This study can serve as a historic documentation of how this generation of students felt and adds to the literature on how the pandemic affected the healthcare profession.

Automated summary

This study explores the sentiments of preclinical healthcare professions students during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from positive emotions like pride and respect to negative emotions such as anxiety, guilt, disappointment, and anger. While students showed respect for the healthcare profession, they also acknowledged its limitations and risks. Healthcare profession educators should recognize the emotional impact of the pandemic on students, which could have long-lasting effects on the global healthcare industry.