Free online dermatology course for medical trainees in Ethiopia: A pilot study.

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Rishab Revankar, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Kassahun Bilcha, Emory University; Annisa Befekadu, University of Gondar; Howa Yeung, Emory University; Benjamin Keller Stoff, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2022-03
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2021 by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jdin.2021.10.005
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: JAAD Int
• Volume: 6
• Start Page: 20
• End Page: 26
• Grant/Funding Information: None.
• Keywords: virtual curriculum; global health; international dermatology education
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Education; Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

Background: The effectiveness of virtual dermatology curricula in developing countries remains unclear despite an urgent need due to the pandemic and other factors. Objective: To compare a virtual dermatology curriculum deployed in Gondar, Ethiopia with a traditional in-person course. Methods: We developed a free, on-line dermatology course. 104 trainees from the University of Gondar, Ethiopia, completed the course. Pre- and post-course surveys measuring self-reported proficiency were administered. End-of-Course surveys were distributed to elicit feedback on the course. Performance on final examinations was compared to a historical control group, which did not participate in the course but received standard in-person training. Results: Compared to historical controls (n = 236), the pilot cohort (n = 104) averaged over 4 points higher on the final exam (P < .0001). Most participants were satisfied with all aspects of the on-line course and desire at least a component of virtual learning in the future. Limitations: This pilot study was performed at a single institution, and the participants were not randomized. Further studies in demographically diverse cohorts are needed to validate the results. Conclusion: This dermatology curriculum is a free, innovative platform that can be adapted for dermatology trainees in resource-limited settings.