Enhancing Dermatology Training in Sudan: Insights into Residents Exposure to Educational Resources and Procedural Mastery
Rawia Hassona, Rania S. Ahmed, Suad Hassan, David Aziz, Mohamed H. Ahmed, Ibrahim MahmoudBackground:
The Sudanese Dermatology and Venereology residency program offers a 4-year comprehensive training program.
Purpose:
This study evaluated the exposure of dermatology residents in Sudan to educational resources and procedural skills, assessed their perceived competence and preparedness, and identified areas for improvement.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and February 2023, involving 153 4 th -year dermatology residents. A validated self-administered questionnaire designed to evaluate demographic characteristics, access to learning resources, training in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, as well as self-assessed skill levels and preparedness, was used. Descriptive statistics, with content analysis for open-ended responses.
Results:
Out of 153 residents invited, 128 completed the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 83.7%. Analysis revealed substantial gaps existed between training exposure and perceived competency in advanced procedures. High levels of satisfaction with biopsy and cryotherapy training, 90% and 85%, respectively, while dissatisfaction with laser treatment training 80%. Diagnostic procedures like dermatoscopy and skin biopsies were common, while patch testing and immunofluorescence were less performed. Electrocautery accounted for 55%, whereas laser and phototherapy were rarely performed. Diagnostic procedure competency was highest for biopsies, 90%, whereas therapeutic competency peaked at 85% for electrocautery. Procedures performed >10 times were associated with higher self-assessed competency rates (80%–90%) compared to procedures performed <5 times (20%–45%). Qualitative feedback indicated a necessity for enhanced practical training and improved resources.
Conclusion:
Dermatology residents are satisfied with training in many key procedural and therapeutic skills, but advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures need development. Significant exposure-competency gaps exist in advanced dermatological procedures among 4 th -year residents in Sudan. Residents who performed procedures more frequently reported higher perceived competency, suggesting an association between training exposure and self-assessed skills. Future studies are necessary to determine whether enhanced access to learning resources, increased practical training, or targeted advanced procedural training would improve objective competency measures and patient care outcomes.