Publication Date

6-27-2020

Journal

Cureus

DOI

10.7759/cureus.8861

PMID

32754401

PMCID

PMC7386085

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

6-27-2020

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

dermatology residency curriculum, dermatology education, depression screening in dermatology, mental health comorbidities, resident education, quality improvement research, survey research

Abstract

Background

Many dermatologic diseases are implicated in the development of depression. Currently, there is no literature addressing the extent of dermatology residency training on depression screening.

Objective

Our study aimed to determine the extent of dermatology residency training on depression screening to potentially improve education in this area.

Methods

We designed a 12-question survey to assess the level of resident training and comfort in depression screening for patients with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and skin cancer. Fifty-six residents completed the survey, and data for each question was analysed in aggregate.

Results

Participants found depression screening most important for patients with acne vulgaris, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa (p<0.0001, 95% CI). Ratings of confidence in screening were similar across all conditions. Most residents reported only occasional screening in the setting of these diseases. Sixty-four percent of participants stated that education on depression screening is not included as part of their curriculum or clinical practice, while 23% were uncertain.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a lack in relevant training during residency, warranting the inclusion of education on depression screening into the dermatology residency curriculum to facilitate better recognition of the mental health comorbidities of dermatologic diseases.

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