Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Patch-Testing Education in US Dermatology Residencies in 2010

Abstract

The state of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) education has not been formally examined since the original study done by High and Cruz (Am J Contact Dermat. 2003;14(4):195-199). The objectives of the study were to characterize the current state of ACD and patch-testing education in US dermatology residency programs and to determine if there has been any significant improvement over the past 8 years. This was a survey of ACD education and patch-testing practices in US dermatology residency programs. Surveys were sent to program directors and chief residents at all 112 US dermatology residency programs. Of the 224 surveys sent out, 105 (46.88%) were returned. There were several statistically significant changes from the 2002 survey. More faculty members who are designated as ACD experts are now members of the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Fewer programs now routinely review contact dermatitis-specific journals. Residents are now more likely to receive didactic lectures on ACD. Program directors estimated graduating residents will now be less likely to perform the TRUE Test in practice, and although not statistically significant, program directors also estimated an increase in the number of residents who will use expanded tests. Although some areas of ACD education have improved over the past 8 years, opportunities to further improve remain.