Survey among anaesthesiology trainees on usage and needs in comparison with YouTube analytics-based analysis of an educational anaesthesiology YouTube channel

Background: Research on anaesthesiology trainees’ e-learning usage and needs are limited. This study explores e-learning preferences among University of Malaya anaesthesiology trainees, global engagement of an anaesthesiology YouTube channel, and comparisons between local and global trends. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among University of Malaya anaesthesiology trainees in mid-2024 using a modified Matava questionnaire. YouTube analytics from 319 educational videos on @ForeverLearningAnaes (FLA) were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 29. Results: The survey demonstrated satisfactory validity (ICC: 0.678–0.994; Cronbach’s alpha: 0.689–0.994), with a 90.3% response rate (n = 75). Preferred e-learning formats included e-books, videos, slide-based courses, and quizzes. Trainees spent significantly more time on e-learning than traditional learning, with first-year trainees dedicating the most study hours. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops were the primary devices used. Key motivations for e-learning included exam preparation, case management, and acquiring new knowledge. The most valued features were flexibility in time, place, and pace of learning. NYSORA Education was the highest-rated YouTube channel. Preferred video duration was 5–15 minutes. The 3 most desired e-learning content types were procedural skills, practice exam questions and answers, and journal article summaries. FLA videos reached 97 countries, primarily lower-middle-income nations, with mobile phones as the dominant viewing device. Clinical/procedural videos had higher engagement than basic sciences videos. The average view duration per video for FLA viewers was approximately 3 minutes. Conclusion: These findings can inform educators in developing digital learning resources to support self-paced, lifelong learning for anaesthesiology trainees globally.