Dear Medical Students
You are invited to participate in the research project described below.
What is the project about?
The research project investigates the perceptions of medical students towards dermatology and the potential use of electronic learning (eLearning). The information will be collected through quizzes, surveys and focus groups and focus predominantly on the tertiary teaching of dermatology. We hope to use feedback and insights from medical students to create a smartphone application that improves medical students knowledge and confidence regarding dermatology presentations.
Who is undertaking the project?
This project is being conducted by Dr Philippa Dickison, Clinical Associate Professor Saxon Smith and Associate Professor Gayle Fischer. All the researchers are based at the Dermatology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital. Clin A/Prof Smith and A/Prof Fischer are affiliated with the Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney. Dr Dickison is a PhD student at the University of Sydney.
The research will form the basis for the degree of a Doctor of Philosophy for Dr Dickison. Additionally, at the University of Notre Dame, Liz Henness will be overseeing the project.
What will I be asked to do?
If you consent to take part in this research study, it is important that you understand the purpose of the study and the tasks you will be asked to complete. Please make sure that you ask any questions you may have, and that all your questions have been answered to your satisfaction before you agree to participate.
If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to sign a consent form at the start of any involvement in the study. This will most likely take place at a focus group/interview.
This study will be conducted over 12 to 18 months. Your involvement in the study will involve participation in focus groups and/or the completion of 2 online quizzes as well as the use of an educational mobile application (app). The topic of the quizzes and app will be clinically relevant dermatology.
The focus groups will take approximately 15 minutes and will be scheduled at convenient times before or after regular tutorials. In each group there will be 5-10 people. Participation is entirely voluntary. The focus groups will be recorded but all participants and their views will remain anonymous.
The quizzes will be approximately one year apart. The app is designed to improve your understanding of dermatological diagnosis, investigation and management. It is self-paced but is expected to take each student 5-10 hours to complete. The app also includes some questions regarding the user’s satisfaction with the app.
The application will be available to download from iTunes or Google Play and will require an internet connection. You are free to use it whenever is convenient for you.
Are there any risks associated with participating in this project?
There are no specific risks anticipated with participation in this study.
What are the benefits of the research project?
This study aims to further medical teaching by using the findings to guide the creation of smartphone application and ultimately improve the confidence and abilities of junior doctors and registrars in regards to dermatology. The study will benefit future medical students and may not benefit you directly.
What if I change my mind?
Participation in this study is completely voluntary. Even if you agree to participate, you can withdraw from the study at any time without discrimination or prejudice. If you withdraw, all information you have provided through the app will be erased. Because of the anonymous and group nature of the focus groups we will be unable to remove your involvement. However, this information will not be a