A cross-sectional survey study to evaluate phototherapy training in dermatology residency

摘要

Phototherapy is an effective treatment for several inflammatory skin conditions. While its utility is well recognized (e.g., 45% of American Academy of Dermatology members prefer phototherapy as a first-line psoriasis treatment) (1), its use has significantly declined in the United States (2, 3). Part of the problem may be the training of residents. A survey conducted in 1994, which included 66 dermatology chief residents, found that over 50% of respondents received fewer than 3 h of phototherapy training annually, and 55% reported no hands-on tutorials (4). Many residents felt ill-prepared to provide phototherapy. Based on a similar study surveying dermatology residents, our results indicate that 20 years later, phototherapy training remains lacking.