32840 Utilization of a cutaneous lymphoma primer to improve resident education

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous lymphoma (CL) is a somewhat esoteric subject from the vantage point of the general dermatologist, however, rarity of a diagnosis is not an adequate reason to discount the benefit in learning more about this subject, particularly in residency. There is a lack of access to concise, relevantly organized educational materials pertaining to CL at the resident level. Furthermore, no data has been published regarding dermatology resident comfort level with diagnosis and treatment of CL. This study aims to improve resident understanding through the creation of a CL primer. Methods: A pre-test evaluated resident comfort level in understanding normal lymph node (LN) architecture and staining and recognizing clinical and histologic features of CL using a 10-point Likert scale (1 being not at all comfortable, 10 being very comfortable). The pre-test was administered to eleven Saint Louis University dermatology residents, followed by dissemination of an online CL primer. After reviewing the primer, a post-test assessing the same parameters was distributed, and post-test results were compared with pre-test scores. Results: Residents showed a significant improvement in their comfort level in understanding normal LN structure and CL, clinically and histologically after reviewing the CL primer. The mean comfort level score improved from 4.66 (95% Cl [3.88-5.44]) to 7.69 (95% Cl [7.43-7.95]), with a mean difference of 3.03 (95% Cl [2.24 – 3.81]) (P < .0001). Conclusion: Use of a CL primer improved resident understanding of normal LN architecture and staining patterns, and with recognition of clinical and histologic features of CL.