Analysis of the Content and Comprehensiveness of Dermatology Residency Training Websites in Taiwan

Po-Yu Chen,Tzeng-Ji Chen,Ying-Xiu Dai,Ya-Chuan Hsu

doi:10.3390/healthcare9060773

Po-Yu Chen, Tzeng-Ji Chen + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9060773

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Abstract

With a growing trend in the popularity of web-based resources, it is important to evaluate residency program websites for providing accurate information for dermatology residency applicants. Little is known about the quality of dermatology residency websites in Taiwan. The aim of the study is to assesses the quality of official websites of dermatology training programs in Taiwan. A literature search for all related studies from inception to 31 July 2020 was performed using PubMed without restriction on language. We used criteria that had 6 domains and 25 items to evaluate 23 official websites of the dermatology training programs in Taiwan from August to September 2020. Of the 23 training programs, only 6 (26%) of the websites met more than half of the criteria. Notably, the items “features of the department” and “comprehensive faculty listing” were included in all websites. The criteria for interview process, board pass rates, social activities and information on the surrounding area were not met by all websites. Evidently, there is much room for improvement for the dermatology training program websites in Taiwan.

Highlights

A previous study reported that 80% of Internet users use the Internet to acquire healthcare information [2], and medical staff search it for information they need
Online resources for medical knowledge have become available to medical students and patients through computers and smart phones [3]
A previous study showed that online patient education materials from the websites of major dermatology associations, such as the American Academy of Dermatology, was written well and appropriate for the general population [7]

Summary

Introduction

In Taiwan in 2019, 92.78% of people used the Internet It has become a convenient and generalized tool for acquiring information in Taiwan. A previous study reported that 80% of Internet users use the Internet to acquire healthcare information [2], and medical staff search it for information they need. Clinicians and students, online resources represent an extensive source of continuing education in different specializations [4,5,6]. Patients can find several educational materials on the Internet, especially professional websites. A previous study showed that online patient education materials from the websites of major dermatology associations, such as the American Academy of Dermatology, was written well and appropriate for the general population [7]. Internet has become a rather significant tool for physicians, medical students and patients

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