Gamification of dermatoscopy education using a smartphone mobile platform: A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Dermatology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Dermatoscopy, a noninvasive skin lesion examination technique, requires specialized training for clinical competency.
• Gamification, using game-like elements, enhances engagement in medical education.
• Mobile platforms offer a scalable solution for delivering medical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a gamified, mobile-based platform (SKIN@GoPRIME) for dermatoscopy education among physicians.
• To compare the learning outcomes of using SKIN@GoPRIME versus traditional online lectures.

Main Methods:

• Development of SKIN@GoPRIME, an interactive smartphone application incorporating gamification principles.
• Randomized assignment of 30 physicians to either the SKIN@GoPRIME group or an online lecture group.
• Assessment of knowledge acquisition through pre- and post-learning quizzes, with participant feedback collected.

Main Results:

• Physicians using SKIN@GoPRIME showed a significant mean score improvement of 1.71 points (P=.0018).
• The online lecture group achieved a higher mean score improvement of 2.36 points (P=.00021).
• Both family and internal medicine physicians demonstrated significant score increases after using SKIN@GoPRIME, with 83% believing it could enhance job-related competencies.

Conclusions:

• SKIN@GoPRIME is an effective tool for delivering dermatoscopy education through gamification, though not superior to traditional lectures.
• Further research is needed to validate gamified learning techniques and optimize mobile platforms for dermatoscopy training.
• Future iterations should focus on enhancing SKIN@GoPRIME's effectiveness to maximize its potential in dermatoscopy education.