key: cord-320929-8h44wf36
authors: Sarkar, Rashmi; Bhargava, Shashank; Chander, Ram; Rathod, Dipali; Singh, Ajay Kumar
title: Webinars as a mode of e‐discussion by Indian dermatologists during the COVID‐19 era: A boon or a bane?
date: 2020-08-21
journal: Dermatol Ther
DOI: 10.1111/dth.14220
sha: 
doc_id: 320929
cord_uid: 8h44wf36

nan

The term 'webinar' is composed of two words 'web' (from the Worldwide Web) and 'seminar'. A live presentation, recorded video, or lecture broadcast online in real-time using the software defines 'webinar'. The interaction between the speaker and participants usually takes place via webcam and microphone. In different parts of the world, virtual education has been implemented even for school students and higher education during these trying This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

times. [3, 4] Online webinars make it interesting for the speakers as well as for the participants in the following ways:

• Real-time audio-visual communication (5), alopecia (5), use of immunosuppressants (4), aesthetics (4) and the ways to restart procedures in private practice (3) once the lockdown restrictions are removed and various others.

On the other hand, these webinars are very much dependent on technology, which isn't always so reliable. In the case of poor internet connection or of an inadequate bandwidth, attendees are unable to participate. And when technical problems are on the organizer's side, the webinar gets either cancelled or postponed. Dermatologists in India now feel that they are overburdened by the number of webinars planned and hence they have become reluctant to attend them.

Hence webinar is like a 'double-edged sword' which can be beneficial for some while others (non-qualified healthcare workers and those practicing traditional medicine) can misuse it by implementing the information incorrectly on patients (they are mostly not aware about pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, interactions and contraindications of allopathic medications), especially those without appropriate qualifications and knowledge. It also increases the chances of quackery in dermatology practice if not properly monitored, although knowledge is also available in books. Webinars are definitely a game-changer, only if practiced and conducted ethically without doing much damage to the healthcare system. In the future, we hope to profit more from virtual teachings, [5] and the latest technologies that have to offer nothing but the best!

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