Summary
The Skin of Colour Training Day (SOCTD) UK is now in its second year. It was launched in 2021 to provide excellence in dermatology education in SOC. Observational studies have shown a lack of confidence among dermatology consultants and trainees in managing SOC presentations. Hence, the course aims to fill this vital gap to improve patient care in SOC populations. National and international experts deliver this high quality, annual teaching programme. The educational content complements the 2021 UK Dermatology Training Curriculum syllabus and is open to all healthcare professionals in the dermatology community.
Method
The SOCTD was introduced in 2021 to be an effective tool to update dermatology training in SOC. Topics included pigmentary, inflammatory, follicular, medical and cosmetic dermatology, and improving cultural awareness. A total of 282 of 394 registered delegates responded to the post-conference survey. Of these, 99.29% felt that the training either fully (85.11%) or somewhat (14.18%) met their goal of learning more about SOC. A total of 98.58% found the programme ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ and 96.39% rated the range of topics as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. A total of 97.49% said they found the topics useful to clinical practice. The data demonstrate that the delegates felt their learning needs were addressed. Similar results are expected from the 2022 meeting. Moreover, the education received at the SOCTD is expected to funnel into improved patient care for SOC patients. A study from the US reported that patients valued dermatologists who demonstrated experience and knowledge in disorders in SOC patients (Gorbatenko-Roth et al. JAMA Dermatol 2019; 155(10): 1129-34).
Results
The SOCTD was introduced in 2021 to be an effective tool to update dermatology training in SOC. Topics included pigmentary, inflammatory, follicular, medical and cosmetic dermatology, and improving cultural awareness. A total of 282 of 394 registered delegates responded to the post-conference survey. Of these, 99.29% felt that the training either fully (85.11%) or somewhat (14.18%) met their goal of learning more about SOC. A total of 98.58% found the programme ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ and 96.39% rated the range of topics as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. A total of 97.49% said they found the topics useful to clinical practice. The data demonstrate that the delegates felt their learning needs were addressed. Similar results are expected from the 2022 meeting. Moreover, the education received at the SOCTD is expected to funnel into improved patient care for SOC patients. A study from the US reported that patients valued dermatologists who demonstrated experience and knowledge in disorders in SOC patients (Gorbatenko-Roth et al. JAMA Dermatol 2019; 155(10): 1129-34).
Sustainability and Spread
The SOCTD was disseminated with the help of the BAD and DC, the key collaborators. The event was advertised on the DC website and flyers were sent to all the members. Furthermore, the event was listed on the BAD and DC newsletters and events calendar. It was also featured in the weekly BAD President’s bulletin and monthly communications circular. The programme was also promoted informally through the BAD Twitter account and the Instagram pages of the DC, BritishDermDocs and SOCTD UK. Information about the event was also spread via word of mouth and professional WhatsApp groups.
