Students on three health science degree programmes at Aarhus University will be allowed to physically enter the university again for their final exams. The students in question are those taking the final part of the degree programmes in medicine, odontology and clinical dental technician. These students have been given special permission to enter the university as they must treat patients or otherwise demonstrate clinical skills.

2020.04.14 | Ulla Krag Jespersen

Students on the final semester of "socially critical health education programmes" now have the opportunity to attend their education again and complete their degree programme. This will take place under stricter precautionary measures to minimise the risk of spreading the infection. Photo: Lars Kruse/AU.

[Updated 15 April 2020]

There is good news on the way for approximately 200 medical students, 60 dentistry students and 16 clinical dental technician students at Aarhus University. Over Easter, the Minister for Higher Education and Science decided to allow a "limited and controlled reopening of the physical facilities", so that students currently taking the final semester of their degree programme can attend their final exams.

"It’s very pleasing to see that everyone understands how important it is for the next group of medical doctors to be able to complete their studies, so they can begin undertaking tasks in the healthcare sector," says department head at the Department of Clinical Medicine, Jørgen Frøkiær.

Despite the extra effort needed to plan the exams for 200 medical students so that their physical attendance can take place in a safe manner and with the least possible risk of spreading infection, he expects that the students will be able to complete their studies on time.

"We've seen such a fantastic level of flexibility in the educational environment lately, so I'm certain that the teaching staff, studies administration and the students can also accomplish this task," he says.

In the case of medicine, the final exams involve assessing the student’s clinical skills, meaning that physical attendance is therefore necessary. The exams in question are oral exams in acute/chronic medicine and surgery (endocrinology, geriatrics, orthopaedics, dermatology and general medicine). In addition, the traditional stand exams in gynaecology, obstetrics and paediatrics may instead be held as oral exams with physical attendance. In the coming week, the course leader and board of studies will decide whether to put this option into practice. 

Patients replaced by simulation training

On the odontology and clinical dental technician programmes, the students will find that the clinical elements in some of the final courses will largely take place as simulation training. Patients will only be used under much stricter conditions than normal. For example, when the clinical dental technician students help to alleviate pressure ulcers from dentures which elderly people and patients in the risk group may suffer from.

Department Head Siri Beier Jensen from the Department of Dentistry and Oral Health says:

"We will only use patients in situations where this is entirely justifiable in relation to avoiding spreading the virus. We will convert as much as possible to simulation, but in some situations and where this is absolutely necessary, we will carry out some elements of the clinical training. In these cases we will protect everyone involved by using protective equipment in the form of disposable gowns, gloves, surgical masks and protective glasses, as prescribed by the Danish Health Authority."

Everybody wash their hands

The ministry requires that the limited physical attendance in connection with elements of the clinical teaching and exams must take place safely without significant risk of spreading the infection and in accordance with the guidelines issued by the health authorities.

This means that all students and staff must wash their hands on arrival at the institution, that social distancing must be observed, and that all equipment used must be washed and disinfected after use.

Beginning 15 April, a total of seven socially critical health education programmes may begin a controlled reopening for their final semester students. In addition to medicine, odontology and clinical dental technician, the reopening also applies to the degree programmes in nursing, biomedical laboratory scientist, midwife and radiographer.

Contact

Department Head Jørgen Frøkiær
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine
Mobile: (+45) 2023 4527
Email: jf@clin.au.dk

Department Head Siri Beier Jensen
Aarhus University, Department of Dentistry and Oral Health
Mobile: (+45) 9350 8525
Email: siri@dent.au.dk