Course Description:
This intensive two-day course on the Fundamentals of Dermatology for Primary
Care is highly relevant for healthcare professionals in primary care, especially
those lacking dermatology in their post-registration training. The course offers
an opportunity to advance in practice, gain relevant competencies, and enhance
clinical confidence for improved patient care.
Introduction:
Understanding dermatology care is vital in general practice, given that 10-15%
of the primary care workload involves dermatology. Common skin conditions have a
significant psychological impact on patients. The course emphasizes the
importance of proper skin assessment, accurate diagnosis, and effective patient
self-management for better treatment outcomes.
Day One:
- 09:15 AM: Coffee and registration
- 09:30 AM: Introduction and course objectives
- 09:40 AM: Anatomy and physiology of normal skin
- 10:00 AM: Pathophysiology of acne, eczema, and psoriasis - understanding skin
changes
- 10:45 AM: Coffee break
- 11:00 AM: The language of dermatology - effective description
- 11:45 AM: Skin assessment and history-taking - recording observations
- 13:00 PM: Lunch break
- 13:45 PM: Recognizing skin changes: skin lesions and skin cancer - addressing
concerns
- 14:00 PM: Hyper and hypo pigmentation - understanding variations
- 14:30 PM: Screening for skin cancer and promoting sun safety
- 15:00 PM: Dermatology resources and guidelines - accessing information
- 16:00 PM: Action plan, evaluation, and resources
- 16:15 PM: Close
Day Two:
- 09:15 AM: Welcome back and course work review
- 09:30 AM: Managing acne in primary care - practical applications and
treatments
- 10:30 AM: Managing psoriasis in primary care - topical treatment and
demonstrations
- 10:45 AM: Coffee break
- 11:00 AM: Managing eczema in primary care - practical challenges and solutions
- 11:45 AM: Understanding patient self-management and psycho-social aspects
- 12:30 PM: Lunch break
- 13:30 PM: Practical emollient workshop - exploring patient preferences
- 14:15 PM: Skin infections - recognition, diagnosis, and management
- 14:45 PM: Genital skin conditions - Update on lichen sclerosis recognition and
treatment
- 15:30 PM: Practice reviews, competencies, and reflective discussion
- 16:15 PM: Close
Course Aim:
To equip primary care healthcare professionals with evidence-based knowledge and
practical confidence to elevate dermatology care, improve patient support for
common skin conditions, and ensure appropriate secondary care referral.
Learning Outcomes (Day 1):
- Develop a Strong Foundation: Understand skin anatomy and physiology for a
comprehensive grasp of normal skin characteristics.
- Decipher Pathophysiology: Discern the intricacies of common dermatology
conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, understanding the underlying
skin changes that drive these conditions.
- Master the Language of Dermatology: Gain proficiency in describing
dermatological observations accurately, facilitating effective communication and
reporting.
- Harness the Power of Assessment: Elevate skin assessment and history-taking
skills, honing the ability to document observations and pertinent patient
history with precision.
- Recognise Skin Changes: Sharpen the skill of identifying skin lesions and
potential indicators of skin cancer, equipped with the expertise to navigate the
"when to worry" challenge.
- Explore Pigmentation Variations: Delve into hyper and hypo pigmentation,
understanding conditions like dermatosis papulosa nigra, sebaceous hyperplasia,
solar lentigo, and freckles.
- Promote Sun Safety and Dermatology Education: Grasp strategies for skin cancer
screening and sun safety healthcare education, contributing to proactive patient
care.
- Navigate Dermatology Resources: Gain insight into valuable dermatology
resources and guidelines, empowering continuous learning beyond the course.
Learning Outcomes (Day 2):
- Enhance Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience in managing common skin
conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema using both over-the-counter and
topical treatments.
- Empower Patient Support: Engage with patients to gain insights into their
experiences of self-managing chronic skin conditions, focusing on psycho-social
aspects and effective coping strategies.
- Immerse in Practical Emollient Workshop: Participate in a tactile workshop to
understand patient preferences and choices in emollient usage.
- Refine Diagnostic Skills: Develop the ability to recognize, diagnose, and
manage skin infections effectively, improving overall dermatological care.
- Master Genital Skin Conditions: Gain updated knowledge on recognising and
treating genital skin conditions like lichen sclerosis, enhancing expertise in a
specialized area.
- Reflect and Consolidate: Engage in reflective discussions, reviewing
competencies gained during the course and integrating newfound insights.
Course Conclusion:
Conclude the two-day course with a profound sense of accomplishment, armed with
enriched dermatological knowledge, practical skills, and patient-centered
strategies that will positively influence your professional practice.