Using Self-Learning Modules to Incorporate SOC Dermatology into Medical Education Curriculums

An iPoster at the recent Skin of Color Society Scientific Symposium, held March 24, in Boston, Massachusetts, examined the use of self-learning modules (SLM) as a way to incorporate skin of color dermatology into medical education curriculums.

The study authors expressed that increased awareness of skin of color representation in medical education has developed into programs to fit the need. However, because the dermatology specialty is a visually oriented one, they posited that visually oriented modalities are warranted. SLMs are a popular way to disseminate knowledge in a visual way. It is also a useful tool to gauge learning before and after a module, according to the poster.

The authors developed a bilingual dermatology skin of color self-learning module and gave it to second year undergraduate medical students at the University of Ottawa, Canada. After both pre- and post-module, a survey was sent to all participants for initial feedback on the system. The survey was 6 questions with answers given in Likert style responses.

A total of 15 students participated in the module and completed the survey (9% response rate). Of that number, the order at which they preferred different learning modalities was 1. professional skill development; 2. case-based learning; 3. Didactic material; 4. Self-learning modules; and 5. Other published material.

The difficulty of the setup in the learning module was deemed by participants as easy, or very easy to use by 80% (n=12/15) and 73% (n=11/15) reported they felt more, or very more, competent at assessing a patient with skin of color. Ninety-three percent of responders stated that the SLM could be an important addition to the curriculum in this area. Additionally, while most of the responders said that it would be most beneficial for the second year of Canadian medical school (MS), the study author noted that the selection of when to use the module, according to the data, went: MS2>MS1>MS3>MS4.

Reference:

Bose R, Mahmood F, Mardiros L, Colantonio S. Incorporating skin of color dermatology into medical education curriculums: the utility of self-learning modules. iPoster at: 18th Skin of Color Society Scientific Symposium; March 24, 2022; Boston, MA.