Developing A Dermatology Curriculum For Malaysian Medical Undergraduates: Initial Results Of The Delphi Method
- Author:
Adawiyah Jamil
;
Mazlin Mohd Baseri
;
Leelavathi Muthupalaniappen
;
Roshidah Baba
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
education;
medicine;
Malaysia
- From:Malaysian Journal of Dermatology
2013;30(-):7-20
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: Dermatology in the Malaysian undergraduate medical curriculum is included as a subspecialty
subject in Internal Medicine. The dermatology course content for undergraduate varies
among the different teaching institutions. A standardized curriculum is required to prepare graduates
for clinical dermatological practices in a tropical country and also applicable worldwide.
Methods: The Delphi method is used to reach a consensus on the curriculum’s core content. A
questionnaire with lists of dermatological conditions was developed by a panel of dermatologists and
family physician. A total of 60 participants comprising of 20 dermatologists, 20 family physicians
and 20 general practitioners are asked to rate the importance of each dermatological conditions
stated in the questionnaire. The same participants then answers the questionnaire again with results
of the first round made available to them. The final curriculum content will be identified based on
the panel’s collective opinions.
Results: We present the results of the first part of the study which is the (questionnaire
development). Section 1 of the questionnaire lists 20 topics according to the classification of
dermatological diseases and common dermatological diseases. Section 2 expands each classification
by listing specific diseases or conditions. There are 4 to 13 diseases identified under each
classification. This provides a total of 171 options to be graded by each participant. Section 1 aimed
to identify important topics based on the classification and common dermatological diseases. The
list of specific diseases aimed to identify the important dermatological conditions or diseases under
each classification.
Conclusion: A standardized appropriate curriculum in dermatology is required for the Malaysian
undergraduate teaching curriculum which is acceptable both locally and internationally. The finding
of the study may be used to recommend a standard Malaysian medical undergraduate dermatology
curriculum.
