title: Identifying the Core Content of a Dermatology Module for Malaysian Medical Undergraduate Curriculum Using a Modified Delphi Method.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dermatology is a minor module in internal medicine undergraduate curriculum. Limited time is allocated for its teaching. Most graduates are inadequately prepared to diagnose and manage skin diseases. We aimed to identify the core content of a more effective dermatology module.
  
  
  METHODS
  A modified Delphi method was used to reach a consensus. A questionnaire was developed by a selected panel and sent to 20 dermatologists, family physicians and general practitioners (GPs), respectively. They were asked to rate diseases according to importance. The participants then answered the questionnaire again with results of the first round made available to them. The final module content was identified based on the panel's collective opinions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven topics had mode and median values of 1 with an agreement level of more than 70%. They were as follows: (1) skin structure and function; (2) infections and infestations; (3) the skin in systemic diseases; (4) dermatology emergencies; (5) drug eruptions; (6) psoriasis; (7) eczema; (8) sexually transmitted infections; (9) leprosy; (10) acne; and (11) clinical skills and diagnostic procedures. A total of 56 diseases were identified as important.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results of this study reflect the importance of understanding the influence of regional factors on common and important skin diseases. These topics may be used to develop a more effective dermatology module for the Malaysian undergraduate medical curriculum.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur.
authors.forename: Adawiyah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jamil
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur.
authors.forename: Leelavathi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Muthupalaniappen
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur.
authors.forename: Norazirah
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Md Nor
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur.
authors.forename: Harlina Halizah
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Siraj
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur.
authors.forename: Abdus
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salam
keywords: Delphi technique; dermatology; medical education; medical students; skin diseases