Evaluating dermatology education in Australia: Medical students’ and junior doctors’ perceptions
Background Despite a high frequency of dermatological general practice and emergency department presentations, including serious and potentially fatal skin conditions, evidence suggests that undergraduate dermatological education remains sparse. Given this, there exists a need to gauge dermatology‐r...
Saved in:
Published in | Australasian journal of dermatology Vol. 64; no. 2; pp. e145 - e151 |
---|---|
Main Authors | , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Australia
Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
01.05.2023
|
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
Cover
Loading…
Summary: | Background
Despite a high frequency of dermatological general practice and emergency department presentations, including serious and potentially fatal skin conditions, evidence suggests that undergraduate dermatological education remains sparse. Given this, there exists a need to gauge dermatology‐relevant knowledge and skill in our new doctors.
Methods
An online survey was completed by final‐phase medical students and junior doctors from Australian medical schools. The survey appraised self‐perceived confidence of dermatology knowledge and skills, in addition to 5 knowledge‐based multiple‐choice questions.
Results
Nine hundred and forty‐two eligible responses were completed. Respondents reported low confidence in identifying dermatological conditions in people with skin of colour (μ = 1.69), handing over to dermatology colleagues (μ = 2.00) and in diagnosing and managing acute/emergency dermatology conditions (μ = 1.84). In contrast, participants felt most confident in counselling sun‐protective behaviours (μ = 3.95) and suturing small wounds (μ = 3.43). 76.4% of respondents had not undertaken any dermatology placement, and 70.9% had never been formally assessed in dermatology. Those who received dermatology placement had a significantly higher aggregated self‐reported confidence (p < 0.0001) and answered significantly more MCQs correctly (p = 0.0419). Those who had been formally assessed had a significantly higher self‐reported confidence (p < 0.001) and answered significantly more MCQs correctly (p = 0.007).
Conclusion
Final‐phase medical students and junior doctors exhibit low confidence across many dermatology competencies. Participants believed they need more dermatology education, and seldom feel prepared when exposed to dermatologic pathologies. Introduction of a standardised curriculum, formal assessments and increased clinical exposure are possible solutions. |
---|---|
Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
ISSN: | 0004-8380 1440-0960 |
DOI: | 10.1111/ajd.14000 |