Novel Education Modules Addressing the Underrepresentation of Skin of Color in Dermatology Training

Abstract

Background

Representative images of pathology in patients with skin of color are lacking in most medical education resources. This particularly affects training in dermatology, which relies heavily on the use of images to teach pattern recognition. The presentation of skin pathology can vary greatly among different skin tones, and this lack of representation of dark skin phototypes challenges providers’ abilities to provide quality care to patients of color.

In Botswana and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, this challenge is further compounded by limited resources and access to dermatologists. There is a need for improved and accessible educational resources to train medical students and local medical providers in basic skin lesion description and diagnosis.

Objectives

We examined whether online Perceptual and Adaptive Learning Modules (PALMs) composed of representative dark skin images could efficiently train University of Botswana medical students to more accurately describe and diagnose common skin conditions in their community.

Methods

Year 4 and 5 medical students voluntarily completed PALMs that teach skin morphology, configuration, and distribution terminology and diagnosis of the most common dermatologic conditions in their community. Pre-tests, post-tests and delayed-tests assessed knowledge acquisition and retention.

Results

PALMs training produced statistically significant (P < .0001) improvements in accuracy and fluency with large effect sizes (1.5, 3.7) and good retention after a 12.5-21-week median delay. Limitations were a self-selected group of students, a single institution, slow internet connections, and high drop-out rates.

Conclusions

Overall, population-specific PALMs are a useful tool for efficient development of pattern recognition in skin disease description and diagnosis.