E-learning enables parents to assess an infantile hemangioma.

BACKGROUND Infantile hemangiomas (IH) at risk for complications need to be recognized early. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine if parents are able to assess, after e-learning, whether their child has an IH, is at risk for complications, and needs to be seen (urgently) by a specialist. METHODS This was a prospective study of 158 parents participating in an IH e-learning module. Parents were asked to assess their child's skin abnormality. A dermatologist answered the same questions (by e-consult). The 2 assessments were compared. RESULTS Parents showed a 96% concordance with the dermatologist for correct diagnosis after e-learning. Concordances were 79%, 75%, and 84% (P < .001), respectively, on assessing the risk of complications, the need to be seen by a specialist, and the urgency for specialized care. LIMITATIONS Parents had a relatively high education level and were therefore not representative of the general population. CONCLUSION Parents were able to correctly diagnose and evaluate an IH after completing an e-learning module. E-learning by parents could result in earlier presentation and treatment of high-risk IH.

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