Session Title: 
Lightning Poster Presentation 2/Room 2 

Location: 
Georgetown East, Concourse Level 

Session Time: 
Monday, May 24, 2010, 4:15 pm - 5:45 pm 

Control Number: 
10-Pos-80-MLA 

Activity: 
Poster Abstract 

Publishing Title: 
Successful Integration of Visual Diagnostic Decision Support System into a Dermatology Curriculum 

Author Block: 
Elizabeth R. Lorbeer, AHIP, Associate Director, Content Management; Lisa A. Ennis, Systems 
Librarian, Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL; Patricia 
Heckmann, Medical Information Specialist, Logical Images, Logical Images, Rochester, NY; Nicole 
Mitchell, AHIP, Reference Librarian; Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences; University of Alabama, 
Birmingham, AL 

Abstract Body: 
Objective: To improve learning effectiveness for second-year medical students in identifying skin 
disorders the library implemented a visual diagnostic decision support system, and online dermatology 
self-study tool. Through outreach, promotion, and user feedback, we were able to identify successful 
outcomes of incorporating a visual learning tool into the medical curriculum. Methods: Gather feedback 
from course instructors and students on the educational impact of using VDDS and an online dermatology 
tutorial during the five-week musculoskeletal and skin course to answer the following questions. By 
having access to VDDS and an online dermatology tutorial, did this improve the student's effectiveness in 
properly identifying normal and malignant skin lesions? Does the VDDS improve the learning outcomes 
established by the instructors? Does studying dermatology through the use of a VDDS increase the 
likelihood that the student will rely on this tool in future clinical practice? Additionally, did the library's 
training sessions and marketing of VDDS as part of its "Resource of the Month" contribute to the overall 
successful adoption by its users?