Robin: A Dermatology Case

Robin’s Dermatology Case presents students with a 21-year-old female patient with an eyelid rash, which later turns out to be an occupation-related allergy. The main learning objectives are to explore some issues around skin conditions, their diagnosis and management while also learning about how information systems, such as electronic medical records (EMRs) and personal health records (PHRs), will increasingly influence the way we practice. There is more information about our learning objectives and the project's aims here on the Canadian Health Education Commons (CHEC).The EMR's used in our case include MedAccess and Netcare. This case is broken into three main sections – Robin’s initial visit, which includes the assessment of his symptoms, along with probing questions to determine possible causes and an initial diagnosis; choosing the correct type of follow-up testing; and finally, treatment and recommended lifestyle changes. The learner is encouraged to investigate, explore, ask questions, and make decisions based on realistic clinical encounters with the patient. Very little background about the patient is provided at the start of the case. As the learner moves through the case, the medical facts of the case are revealed. The learner will be required to engage general principles of history taking, consider principles of reflective practice, consider gender and occupation related challenges, and to consider the mental health implications for the care and treatment of a patient with a new allergy. The case has been tuned for the purposes of the AFMC Health Canada Infoway Competition on virtual patients, but is also part of a Resident Research Project at the University of Calgary Department of Family Medicine.