Evaluating dermatology education in Australia: Medical students’ and junior doctors’ perceptions

• Published in: Australasian journal of dermatology 2023-05, Vol.64 (2), p.e145-e151
• Main Authors: Ireland, Patrick, Rosen, Richard, Spencer, Sascha, Nielssen, Amelia, Rosen, Robert
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Australia; Confidence; Curriculum; Dermatology; Dermatology - education; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Emergency medical care; Humans; medical education; Medical students; Skin diseases; Students, Medical; Surveys; Surveys and Questionnaires; teaching; undergraduate
• ISSN: 0004-8380; 1440-0960
• DOI: 10.1111/ajd.14000

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