Abstract
Lack of standardized dermatoscopy training limits confidence and accuracy. We assessed
the effect of a dermatoscopy lecture series on the diagnostic accuracy of dermatology
residents’ biopsies. Additionally, we evaluated resident comfort with and knowledge
of dermatoscopy before and after the curriculum. Twelve dermatology residents were
enrolled in a 5-month dedicated dermatoscopy curriculum. To assess knowledge of and
comfort with dermatoscopy, residents were given a 50-question assessment and 21-question
survey before and after the curriculum. Change in diagnostic accuracy was assessed
by comparing the suspected clinical diagnosis to the final histopathologic diagnosis
of lesions biopsied by residents before and after the course. Upon completion of the
curriculum, residents felt significantly more comfortable performing dermatoscopy
(P = .002) and using dermatoscopy to identify melanocytic nevi (P = .037) and melanomas (invasive and in situ) (P = .012). Postgraduate year 2 residents also showed significantly improved diagnostic
accuracy after the training course (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.67;
P = .013). Our study was limited by a small sample size of 12 residents from a single
academic institution. A formal dermatoscopy course can effectively improve dermatology
residents’ knowledge, confidence, and diagnostic accuracy when using dermatoscopy.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 07, 2022
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