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Enhancing
Pediatric Dermatology Training and Assessment Using an Interactive Module
Project Directors: Nader Shaikh, MD; Phillip H. Kaleida, MD; Bernard
Cohen, MD; Christoph U. Lehmann, MD Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh
School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, and Johns Hopkins University School
of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Dermatology
Background: 20% of patients
seen by primary care providers exhibit dermatological problems. Moreover, due
to the paucity of pediatric dermatologists, generalists' training in this area
may not be systematic at medical institutions.
Objectives: The goal
of this multi-institutional collaborative project was to develop a teaching and
testing tool in Pediatric Dermatology for medical students and residents.
Methods: Principles of adult learning were applied in the overall design
of this project. Using a digital camera, we photographed selected lesions encountered
in the primary care clinics of the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Each case
was reviewed online by a Pediatric Dermatology Consultant. We are currently developing
an interactive teaching module and a companion testing module.
Results:
The teaching module will consist of self-instructional case-based interactive
scenarios representing common pediatric skin conditions. For each case, the trainee
will be asked to submit his/her top 3 diagnoses after reviewing the photographic
findings. Then, a description of the rash or lesion, a brief overview of the
condition and a clinical pearl will be provided. In order to facilitate formal
examination of trainees' knowledge of pediatric dermatology, a companion testing
module will be designed.
Conclusions: The use of interactive, case-based
teaching and testing tools utilizing digital photography offers the potential
for enhancing training and assessment in the field of Pediatric Dermatology. |
