DERM (Dermatologic education for residents and medical students): a pilot program of web-based dermatologic teaching to maximize efficient use of time for residents and medical students

Abstract

Due to the current emphasis on cost-containment measures in health care, primary care physicians are increasingly responsible for the initial evaluation of skin disorders. Multiple studies comparing the skills of generalists with dermatologists have concluded that further dermatological training is essential for improving the knowledge of generalist physicians. Studies have also demonstrated that appropriate educational intervention can help primary care residents in managing skin conditions at a level approximating that of dermatologists. At the same time, significant constraints on the average resident’s time for learning with a dermatologist make this educational aim difficult. With this in mind, we created and implemented a web-based educational program for primary care residents and medical students providing them with essential information on the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of common skin disorders, as well as evaluating their learning through on-line quizzes. Through this pilot program we attempt to determine whether online education is an effective method of improving the dermatological knowledge of primary care residents. Method: We describe the creation of a pilot program targeting pediatric and internal medicine residents as well as medical students at the community based NEOUCOM consortium hospitals in Akron. We utilized WebCT software to provide users with recommended reference materials including links to the AAD’s medical student core curriculum website for the monthly skin topic. Topics emphasized range from acne vulgaris to skin cancer. The effectiveness of the pilot program is evaluated by comparing the results of pre-reading and post-reading quizzes administered online to the students and residents, as well as online surveys. We also describe potential spin-off projects from this initial pilot program including virtual grand rounds, continuing medical education for physicians, and internet-based communication between generalist residents and dermatologists to clarify dermatological questions. Discussion and Conclusion: Currently primary care residents in the consortium hospitals acquire only minimal clinical dermatologic education. Our web-based program has the advantage of being convenient, easily accessible, inexpensive, and more efficient than a few days of dermatology rotation in that all the essential topics are sure to be emphasized. We believe that a web-based educational program has definite potential in improving the dermatologic knowledge of primary care residents and students.