Table 2.

Main categories and their definition

Main category	Definition
Discrepancy between performing and pragmatism	Feelings and reactions regarding the practical courses which began under specific regulations.
The emotional level: relief	Feelings of relief regarding the starting of practical courses.
Reflection on performance	Positive and negative experiences of the courses and of the whole semester.
Resignation	Feelings of resignation due to different circumstances concerning the implementation of the practical courses.
Uncertainty concerning risk of infection	Various concerns about infecting patients or students during the practical course as well as general concerns regarding the pandemic and infection risk.
Adaptation of the structure	Positive and negative feelings concerning the adaption of the structure of the practical courses.
Adaptation of the scope	Attitudes to the adaption of the scope.
Lack of free practice time	Feelings of unsecure due to the perceived lack of free practice time.
Questioning personal responsibility	The teaching staff perspective on students studying under this specific regulation.
Course learning gain	The range from less to more to the gain from the course.
Support from teachers	Described how students perceived support from the teaching staff.
Concern about low quality	Attitudes to concerns about lower quality due to the specific regulations in the practical courses.