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. 2021 Nov 30:6:20-26.
doi: 10.1016/j.jdin.2021.10.005. eCollection 2022 Mar.

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

Rishab Revankar  1 , Kassahun Bilcha  2   3 , Annisa Befekadu  3 , Howa Yeung  2 , Benjamin Stoff  2
Affiliations

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

Rishab Revankar et al. JAAD Int. .

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.

Keywords: global health; international dermatology education; virtual curriculum.

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Conflict of interest statement

None disclosed.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Examples of the educational content of the Essentials of Dermatology course.
Fig 2
Fig 2
Responses of 102 students to the first 2 questions of the end-of-course survey.
Fig 3
Fig 3
Upon completion of the Essentials of Dermatology course, all students (n = 102) completed a postcourse survey. As part of the survey, they indicated their satisfaction levels regarding their experience with various aspects of the course.
Fig 4
Fig 4
Devices used by students (n = 101) for completing the Essentials of Dermatology course modules.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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