Effect of dermatology rotation on the diagnostic accuracy of family medicine residents for skin lesions: a cross-sectional study in Türkiye.

Abstract

Background: Although family physicians frequently encounter dermatological conditions, the effect of dermatology rotations on their diagnostic competency remains underexplored. We aimed to determine the effect of a mandatory 1-month dermatology rotation on the diagnostic accuracy of family medicine (FM) residents for skin lesions.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among FM residents from September 1 to December 1, 2023. We assessed participants' ability to identify 54 dermatological lesions using a structured, face-to-face questionnaire. A multivariable linear regression model was used to identify independent predictors of diagnostic knowledge scores.

Results: A total of 260 residents participated; 121 (46.5%) had completed the dermatology rotation, whereas 139 (53.5%) had not. Mean diagnostic knowledge scores were significantly higher among residents who completed the rotation (79.17±8.69 vs. 73.06±8.94; P<0.001). In the multivariable model, completing the dermatology rotation was the only independent predictor of higher diagnostic scores (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Completing a dermatology rotation improves the diagnostic accuracy of FM residents for skin lesions, underscoring the value of structured dermatological training within FM curricula.