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Using the Internet to teach melanoma management guidelines to primary care physicians
J M Harris1, S J Salasche, R B Harris
1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, USA.
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice
|September 2, 1999
Summary
A brief online educational program significantly improved physicians' ability to manage pigmented skin lesions. This internet-based melanoma management training enhanced knowledge, confidence, and decision-making skills.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Medical Education
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Physicians require effective methods for managing pigmented skin lesions.
- Current training may not adequately prepare physicians for early melanoma detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if an Internet-based education program can enhance physicians' management of pigmented skin lesions.
- To evaluate improvements in skin cancer knowledge, confidence, and clinical decision-making.
Main Methods:
- A pre-test-post-test design was employed.
- Seventeen medical professionals completed a 1-hour online educational module on melanoma management guidelines (ABCD rule, Glasgow seven-point checklist).
- Performance was assessed using hypothetical patient scenarios.
Main Results:
- The educational program significantly improved participants' overall skin cancer knowledge.
- Confidence and ability to apply management guidelines showed significant positive effects.
- Correct management decisions increased from 63.2% to 74.1% (P = 0.002).
Conclusions:
- A brief, Internet-distributed educational program effectively teaches melanoma management guidelines.
- This cost-effective approach can improve physicians' clinical skills in recognizing and managing early melanomas.
- Distributed learning via the Internet is a viable method for teaching clinical guidelines.