Defining the dermatological content of the undergraduate medical curriculum: a modified Delphi study.

BACKGROUND

Dermatological problems are common, but in undergraduate medical courses time for learning dermatology and teaching dermatology is limited. The Delphi technique has been used in other specialties to define undergraduate and postgraduate curricula and to reach consensus on what is important.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the core dermatological content of the undergraduate medical curriculum.

METHODS

Modified Delphi technique. A questionnaire was designed after review of previous recommendations made by dermatologists. Items were written as explicit learning outcomes. A multidisciplinary panel of 66 individuals responded. Outcomes were rated using a Likert scale (1-5).

RESULTS

Fifty-three learning outcomes were rated 'very important'. We recommend that these are included in the content of U.K. undergraduate medical core curricula.

CONCLUSIONS

A multidisciplinary panel identified dermatological learning outcomes that should be achieved by all medical graduates. Undergraduate medical curricula must provide sufficient resources for learning, teaching and assessment of dermatology so that graduates achieve these outcomes.