title: Global application of disorders of sex development-related electronic resources: e-learning, e-consultation and e-information sharing.
abstract: The past 20 years have seen proliferation of electronic (e) resources that promote improved understanding of disorders of sex development (DSD): e-learning for physicians and trainees, e-consultation between clinicians, and e-information for families and affected individuals. Recent e-learning advances have emerged from the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology's online learning portal for current physicians and trainees. Developed with attention to developing clinical competencies incorporating learning theory, and presenting material that represents international best practice, this e-learning portal offers advances in training, making information more accessible for clinicians and trainees. Multiple levels of instruction, authentic case examples, collaborative forums for physicians and trainees, individualized feedback and user-friendly tools represent advances in trainee and physician learning that can take place in any location. e-consultation is an emerging tool that aims to connect physicians with specialists experienced in DSD care. Although it faces logistical challenges, e-consultation carries the potential to improve DSD care, especially in remote areas with limited access to DSD specialists. e-information for families and patients of all ages is widely accessible online, often with focus on DSD biology, medical care, and psychological and social support. e-information tools aid self-management and support of those affected by DSD. Efforts to improve these resources should aim to map information to individual users, incorporate optimally clear nomenclature, and continue as a 'shared enterprise' of clinicians, affected individuals, families and researchers. Improving the quality of DSD-related e-learning and e-information and developing e-consultation carries the potential to transform DSD care and support for patients, families and physicians worldwide.
authors.affiliation: International-DSD Registry Steering Committee, Cambridge, Mass., USA.
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muscarella
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kranenburg-van Koppen
authors.forename: Kalinka
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Grijpink-van den Biggelaar
authors.forename: Stenvert L S
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Drop
mesh_terms: D012734:Disorders of Sex Development / Q000175:diagnosis*; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D020407:Internet