The introduction of skin of colour dermatology into the Australian dermatology training curriculum: trainee perspectives 5 years later

Abstract

To assess whether the introduction of skin of colour dermatology (SOC) into the Australian dermatology curriculum in 2017 had translated into increased confidence among dermatology trainees handling dermatoses in people with SOC an online questionnaire-based study was conducted in 2017 and 2022. The proportion of trainees feeling confident was 36% in 2017 and 32% in 2022. The introduction of SOC dermatology into the training curriculum in itself may not be sufficient to improve trainee confidence in this area and the need for alternative training delivery formats should be considered.

Closing the gap in dermatology training: Introducing Skin of Colour Training UK

“…7 In Australia, a survey done 5 years after the introduction of SOC learning objectives to the national training curriculum, specifically showed the largest increase in confidence in the management of vitiligo (43%-61%) between 2017 and 2022. 8 Overall, however, there was a reduction in the confidence in the overall management of SOC conditions from 36% to 32% between 2017 and 2022. This highlighted a need to vary the training delivery methods to include face-to-face interactions, as up till that point; the newly introduced SOC-related content was provided via didactic lectures and case presentations at the annual Australasian Dermatology Meeting.…”