Analysis of current clinical work tasks and disease entities encountered by dermatology residents nationwide

Qian Yuetong; Zhang Shiyu; Li Hongchun; Jin Hongzhong

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2096-4293.2026.03.001

Abstract：Objective This study aimed to assess the clinical work tasks and disease entities encountered by dermatology residents across the nation,providing insights for the development of residency training and assessment programs.Methods Several experts were organized to compile a list of clinical tasks and to categorize diseases based on the residency training curriculum.An electronic survey questionnaire was created,pilot-tested,and subsequently administered to dermatology residents nationwide who met the eligibility criteria.Results A total of 418 survey questionnaires were collected from 98 dermatology residency training centers in 31 provinces,municipalities and autonomous regions across China,with 417 valid responses.The results indicated that the work of dermatology residents was concentrated in such aspects as collecting medical history,physical examinations,and establishing treatment plans for various diseases.Furthermore,the importance of effective doctor-patient communication was emphasized.However,the execution level of some clinical procedures was relatively low.Residents had a good grasp of common and prevalent diseases but a poorer understanding of rare diseases,indicating a need for further learning.Conclusion The findings of this study provide valuable guidance for the future training of dermatology residents,emphasizing the significance of cultivating clinical thinking abilities,medical documentation writing skills,and interpersonal communication abilities among trainees.Additionally,it is recommended to enhance the emphasis on certain dermatology-specific clinical procedures and to expand residents'opportunities for learning about rare diseases,so as to enhance the quality and comprehensiveness of training programs.