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.