Training Family Medicine Residents in Dermoscopy Using an e-Learning Course: Pilot Interventional Study.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Education
• Oncology

Background:

• Skin cancers are globally prevalent, with aging and sun exposure as key risk factors.
• Declining dermatologist numbers necessitate enhanced dermatological screening by family doctors.
• Dermoscopy significantly improves melanoma diagnosis but lacks widespread training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of an e-learning dermoscopy training course for family medicine residents.
• To assess the evolution of dermoscopy knowledge 1 and 3 months post-training.

Main Methods:

• A prospective interventional study involving family medicine residents at the University of Montpellier-Nîmes.
• An e-learning course with two modules based on a 2-step dermoscopic analysis algorithm.
• Assessment quizzes administered immediately, 1 month (M1), and 3 months (M3) post-training.

Main Results:

• Significant score improvements were observed at 3 months for both modules (92.1% for module 1, 87.3% for module 2).
• High participant satisfaction (90.6%) and intent to use dermoscopy (96.3%) were reported.
• Prior dermatology rotations correlated with higher initial and retention scores.

Conclusions:

• E-learning dermoscopy training effectively enhances family medicine residents' diagnostic skills and meets their educational needs.
• A blended learning approach combining e-learning and face-to-face training may optimize dermoscopy adoption by family doctors.