Adequacy of dermatology and ob-gyn graduate medical education for inflammatory vulvovaginal skin disease: A nationwide needs assessment survey

Abstract

Background: Many patients with inflammatory vulvovaginal skin diseases, such as lichen planus and lichen sclerosus, experience a delay in diagnosis and lack of appropriate treatment. Unfortunately, patients experience significant morbidity with these conditions. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the adequacy of training in vulvar dermatoses for dermatology and obstetrics-gynecology residents (in the United States), with a secondary goal of identifying the most ideal modality to broadly reach these residents with high quality instruction. Methods: We created a survey with questions relating to attitudes about training in vulvovaginal disease, quantity of current education on the subject, and opinions on ways to improve training. The survey was distributed to obstetrics-gynecology and dermatology residents and program directors nationwide. Results: Most respondents reported that training was not adequate in this area and that additional education was needed. Conclusion: We propose that online, interactive, case-based learning modules, created by vulvovaginal experts, could help improve graduate medical education and lead to better patient outcomes.

Keywords

• Inflammatory vulvovaginal disease
• Medical education
• Women’s health