Summary
The Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom (MRCPUK) Dermatology Specialty Certificate Examination (SCE), a postgraduate exam for dermatology professionals, is a requirement for physicians who aim to become consultants in dermatology in the UK. In March 2021, with Sanofi’s financial backing, Learna offered free access to a comprehensive Dermatology SCE revision question bank, supporting exam preparation and CPD credit accrual. Hosted on Learna’s website, StudyPRN, the resource featured evidence-based questions and answers aligned with the MRCP SCE blueprint, fostering effective skin condition management. Over two years, 11,733 healthcare professionals (HCPs) worldwide accessed the resource and the question bank grew from 420 to 677 questions through reinvestment.
Method
Before the existence of online revision resources like question banks, candidates preparing for the SCE exam relied on self-study, peer discussions and attending educational events. The objective was to create an accessible question bank for trainee dermatologists and other HCPs managing dermatological conditions. The strategy involved developing a minimum of 300 multiple choice questions (MCQs) by March 2019, promoting the resource among UK dermatology trainees, gathering feedback for 12 months and securing financial support for free access to the course in 2020, increasing the number of HCPs utilising the content. Consultant dermatologists were recruited, each contributing MCQs aligning with a specific topic in the blueprint and adhering to author guidelines. A medical editor was appointed to ensure the overall quality of the resource and to review each question for medical accuracy. A marketing and SEO plan was developed and implemented. In 2020, a commercial manager sought financial support from pharma companies specialising in dermatology. These companies needed to recognise the resource’s value and support this non-promotional educational initiative by providing free access to the content. This backing was secured in March 2021 and continued for two years, significantly broadening access to the question bank.
Results
The initiative significantly enhanced efficiency and outcomes for HCPs managing skin conditions by providing a comprehensive, up-to-date question bank. The resource helped HCPs identify knowledge gaps and strengthen their dermatology understanding, leading to improved patient care. Better preparation for the SCE exam increased the likelihood of trainees becoming qualified consultants, further elevating care quality for patients with skin conditions. The resource’s broad accessibility led to its widespread adoption among thousands of HCPs worldwide, benefitting not only trainees but also qualified consultants and primary care physicians seeking knowledge refreshment and CPD revalidation. Sanofi’s financial support in March 2021 contributed to a substantial increase in user engagement, from approximately 350 HCPs per annum to 4,965 in Year 1 and 6,768 in Year 2. Through realistic case scenarios, HCPs learned to deliver more effective and efficient care, resulting in better patient outcomes and enhanced management of skin conditions.
Sustainability and Spread
The project’s dissemination was executed through a multifaceted approach, maximising reach and engagement with HCPs worldwide. Initially, the question bank was promoted among UK dermatology trainees using targeted marketing strategies, including email campaigns and social media outreach. SEO techniques improved visibility, making it easily discoverable for users seeking dermatology education online. The financial support from Sanofi, allowing free access to the content, further increased its appeal and accessibility to a broader audience. By gathering feedback and testimonials, the project team built a strong reputation for the resource, fostering organic growth through word of mouth among peers. Webinars and educational events further showcased the value and impact of the initiative.
The project team plans to maintain regular updates, invest in marketing and explore collaborations with other healthcare organisations.
