What should primary care providers know about pediatric skin conditions? A modified Delphi technique for curriculum development

Background: There is limited access to pediatric dermatology in the United States, resulting in inadequate education and patient care.

Objective: This Delphi study aimed to identify important objectives for a pediatric dermatology curriculum for general practitioners.

Methods: A modified, 2-round Delphi technique was used to develop consensus on objectives developed by expert pediatric dermatologists. A panel of 20 experts (pediatric dermatologists, family practitioners, and general pediatricians) rated objectives using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Items with group medians 4.0 or greater with at least 70% agreement reached consensus.

Results: In round 1, the expert panel rated 231 objectives from 16 categories for inclusion in an online curriculum. In round 2, experts were given group feedback and rated 235 objectives. A total of 170 items met consensus. Generally, objectives surrounding common conditions including acne, molluscum, warts, atopic dermatitis, and newborn skin met consensus whereas objectives on rare growths, birthmarks, and inherited conditions failed to meet consensus.

Limitations: The Delphi panel consisted of US-based physicians, most in urban areas with a dedicated pediatric specialist at their institution.

Conclusions: The accepted objectives encompass management of common conditions and referral of potentially dangerous diseases and can be used to develop a pediatric dermatology curriculum for primary care providers.