Dermatology in Clinical Practice

Aim of the module:

To be able to describe, diagnose and interpret the management of skin lesions in the context of guidance.

Synopsis of module content:

*Skin lumps and bumps

*Benign skin lesions

*Melanoma and pigmented lesions

*Non-melanoma skin cancer

*Basic skin surgery

*Cryotherapy

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Critically analyse the predilection for common dermatoses at various sites of the body.

2. Demonstrate an ability to solve diagnostic conundrums relating to regional dermatoses.

3. Demonstrate skills to formulate an evidence-based management plan for site-specific dermatoses.

Aim of the module:

To accurately describe, identify and institute an appropriate management strategy for dermatoses at specific areas of the body.

Synopsis of module content:

*Facial rashes

*Nails

*Scalp and hair

*Perinea! dermatoses

*Flexural dermatoses

*Palmar and plantar dermatoses

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. A critical understanding of the predilection for common dermatoses at various sites of the body.

2. An ability to solve diagnostic conundrums relating to regional dermatoses.

3. An ability to formulate an appropriate management plan for site specific dermatoses utilising evidence.

Aim of the module:

To describe, identify and institute an appropriate management strategy for inflammatory dermatoses.

Synopsis of module content:

*Differential diagnosis of inflammatory dermatoses

*Atopic eczema

*Contact dermatitis

*Psoriasis

*Urticaria

*Bullous eruptions

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Critically appraise the evidence base relating to common inflammatory skin conditions.

2. Demonstrate an ability to solve diagnostic conundrums relating to inflammatory dermatoses.

3. Demonstrate skills to formulate an evidence-based management plan for common inflammatory dermatoses.

Aim of the module:

To be able to describe, diagnose and interpret the management of skin infections in the context of guidance.

Synopsis of module content:

*Differential diagnosis of skin infections

*Cellulitis and ulceration

*Infestation

*Tropical dermatoses

*Infection related to systemic illness

*Photodermatoses

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Critically appraise the evidence base for the identification and management of common skin infections, infestations, and photodermatoses.

2. Demonstrate an ability to differentially diagnose, refer and manage skin infections, infestations, and photodermatoses.

3. Exercise initiative, personal responsibility and ethical decision-making in managing complex dermatological cases.

Aim of the module:

To develop an ability to identify common skin disorders in particular subgroups of the population and to understand the specific treatment pathways. Students will also gain an understanding of the wider factors and global perspectives affecting dermatology.

Synopsis of module content:

*Infant skin

*Acne and adolescent skin problems

*Pigmented skin

*Elderly skin

*Anti-aging

*Cosmetic treatments

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. An ability to critically understand and synthesise the evidence and legal frameworks relating to ethical dilemmas in relation to mental health and end-of-life care.

2. An ability to critically evaluate and synthesise complex ethical, mental health and end of life care of the elderly patient.

3. Develop an ability to incorporate the knowledge into complex clinical scenarios relating to ethics, mental health and end of life care in the elderly person

Aim of the module:

The Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal element of the module will help students recognise, understand, interpret and apply methods used in healthcare research and critically appraise the various methodologies related to the specialty.

The Professional Project Proposal and Professional Project elements will develop students’ ability to critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and/or organisational practice and develop skills in independent research, study and writing for publication.

Synopsis of module content:

Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal:

*Key epidemiological terms: prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positives/negatives.

*Interpretation of data visuals: Kaplan-Meier curves, forest plots, meta-analyses.

*Research calculations: relative/absolute risk, number needed to treat.

*Statistical tests: t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square. Qualitative research methods.

*Basics of evidence-based practice in clinical settings.

*Health economics, audit, and quality improvement principles.

*Importance of patient and disease-specific registers.

*Research on educational methods for healthcare providers and patients.

Professional Project: Students will complete a subject related project relevant to their practice, which may include:

*Literature review and evidence appraisal.

*Practice audit (clinical or organisational).

*Review and application of evidence-based practice.

*Qualitative or quantitative research.

*Case-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.

*Case report, literature review, or organisational assessment.

On completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Select and apply different methodological perspectives and tools to answer research questions in the field.

2. Critically analyse and interpret research in the subject area.

3. Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change.

4. Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.

5. Critically analyse and interpret research to assess its application to delivery/service development.

6. Evaluate ethical considerations in research and the process of engagement with ethical committees.

7. Design and undertake a professional project related to the field of practice in order to produce an extensive piece of literature which may be suitable for peer-reviewed publication.

8. Create evidence-based recommendations to add to the knowledge base of the subject area.

9. Demonstrate critical evaluation skills enabling an in-depth critique of the academic literature.