3D printing and silicone models of primary skin lesions for dermatological education as remote learning tool.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The corona pandemic affects many aspects of life - with challenges in medical treatment undoubtedly of paramount importance. However, continuing medical education needs to be consistently provided. During a semester with lockdown-phases and limited student-to-patient-contact availability, we supplied silicone models of primary skin lesions to every student and asked them to evaluate this teaching tool. METHODS: In two anonymous online surveys, we asked students enrolled in dermatology (n = 222) at the Medical Facility of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in the winter semester 2020/2021 - subsequent to online teaching - about their understanding and self-assessment of primary skin lesions before and after receiving silicone models for practice. The models were produced by layering different types of silicone into negative 3D printed molds made from polylactide to attain different degrees of hardness and colors. RESULTS: Data from 211 (95.0 %) and 213 (95.9 %) of the 222 students were analyzed before and after receiving the silicone models, respectively. In all questions the students stated a highly significant improvement in their skills (P < 0.001). The majority of students evaluated the silicone models positively and reported a better understanding and learning of primary skin lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the benefit of haptic experience in dermatology teaching not only in the time of COVID-19, but also thereafter.

3D-Druck- und Silikonmodelle der Primäreffloreszenzen für die dermatologische Lehre im Fernstudium.

Hintergrund und Ziele: Die Corona-Pandemie betrifft eine Fülle von verschiedenen Lebensaspekten - Herausforderungen in der medizinischen Behandlung sind hier unzweifelhaft von höchster Wichtigkeit. Allerdings muss auch, um die Ausbildung von Studierenden zu gewährleisten, fortlaufende medizinische Lehre stattfinden. Während eines Semesters mit Lockdown-Phasen und eingeschränktem Patientenkontakt für die Studierenden schickten wir jedem Studierenden ein Silikonmodell zu und baten um die Evaluation dieses Lernwerkzeugs. Methoden: Mittels zweier vollständig und irreversibel anonymisierter Online-Fragebögen befragten wir Studierende des Dermatologie-Semesters (n  =  222) an der Medizinischen Fakultät der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in München im Wintersemester 2020/2021 - anschließend an Online-Lehre - zu ihrem Verständnis und der Eigeneinschätzung zu Primäreffloreszenzen vor und nach Erhalt der Silikonübungsmodelle. Diese wurden durch Schichtung verschiedener Silikontypen in negative 3D-Polylactid-Formen hergestellt, um bestimmte Festigkeiten und Farben darzustellen. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt wurden Fragebögen von 211 (95,0 %) und 213 (95,9 %) der 222 Studierenden analysiert, jeweils vor und nach dem Erhalt der Silikonmodelle. Die Studierenden gaben eine statistisch signifikante Zunahme ihrer Fähigkeiten an (P < 0,001). Ein Großteil der Studierenden evaluierte die Silikonmodelle positiv und berichtete von einem besseren Verständnis und Lernen der Primäreffloreszenzen. Schlussfolgerungen: Diese Lehrstudie zeigt die Vorzüge der haptischen Erfahrung in der dermatologischen Lehre auf - nicht nur in Zeiten von COVID-19, sondern auch danach.

Awareness, attitude, and distribution of high blood pressure among health professionals.

BACKGROUND: BP control is suboptimal Worldwide. Little is known about attitudes of health professionals toward their BP status. AIM: To estimate awareness, attitudes, and distribution of blood pressure among health professionals. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Study was conducted among health professionals in two tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, KSA during December 2010. Socio-demographics, risk factors for high BP, awareness, and adherence to treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Six hundred and seventy-two subjects, 66.6% females, mean age 36.2 + 13.9 years. Prevalence of Hypertension (HTN) was 28%. 114 (60.6%) patients had self reported HTN in HTN group while 74 (11%) of total study population, were not aware that they have HTN which was detected on screening. Stress and lack of formal exercise were prevalent risk factors for HTN, present in 44.1% and 36.1%, of patients, respectively, while obesity was present in 19.4%. Many participants were not aware of recently recommended target value of blood pressure. 22.3% patients were irregular for their follow-up. 12.2% patients were not adherent to the treatment. Isolated systolic hypertension was more common in men. A point of serious concern was that relatively young health professionals, who were not known to be hypertensive did not monitor their BP, found to have HTN. CONCLUSION: Suboptimal awareness and lack of adherence to the treatment for BP among health professionals is of serious concern, for increased chances of cardiovascular events. Physical exercise, correction of obesity and compliance with treatment may reduce the risk of HTN-related adverse outcome in this special subset of the population.