Immune Response in Allergic Contact Dermatitis: An Integrated Learning Module

Medical students are introduced to skin rashes during their preclinical years and often express difficulty in differentiating the underlying mechanisms. The preclinical lessons regarding immunologically mediated skin rashes are largely forgotten by the time the students begin diagnosing and treating skin rashes during clinical rotations. This module aims to enhance student understanding of immunologic concepts by integrating material across disciplines, contextualizing within a clinical scenario, and providing opportunity for self-testing.

A diagram illustrating immune responses in allergic contact dermatitis was used in the Texas Tech University Paul L. Foster School of Medicine preclinical curriculum. This diagram was updated as an audiovisual learning module that traced the immune mechanisms and pathogenesis of contact dermatitis from allergen exposure to skin-rash development. A self-assessment quiz and a clinical vignette with questions were included in the module. Student usage was monitored, and an in-class survey evaluating student perception was administered.

Sixty-four (58%) first-year medical students used this module. Twenty-eight students completed the in-class survey. Over 95% of respondents felt that the module helped them learn the new material, identify areas of weakness, and both understand the underlying pathology and big picture for this immune response.

Student survey results indicate the module is clinically relevant and enhances learning. The module may be used as a component of self-directed learning in any immunology curriculum or may be used in any basic immunology course to exemplify the role of the immune system in disease.