Shifting the Care Paradigm for Individuals With Skin of Color

Historically, dermatology research and clinical practices have overlooked critical aspects of care for individuals with skin of color (SOC), according to a poster presentation at the Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) June 2024 meeting. The increasing proportion of non-White individuals in the United States highlights the urgent need to address disparities in dermatologic care. This study aimed to identify new and persisting care gaps in dermatology for patients with SOC, assess the evolution of initiatives targeting these gaps, and propose areas for improvement.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed to identify articles published between April 2022 and October 2023, focusing on SOC dermatologic care in the United States. The search filtered articles based on predefined terms related to subpopulations, indications, health care systems, stakeholders, and researchers. Relevant publications were prioritized, and highly significant articles were analyzed to extract care gaps. Initiatives addressing these gaps were also reviewed and categorized by organization type and relevance.

The review identified 18 care gaps, with 17 being persistent issues previously noted. A new gap emerged concerning the accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI)-based diagnostic tools for SOC due to underrepresentation in image databases. Approximately 191 initiatives were identified, with a notable increase in new initiatives (around 100) since April 2022, particularly in health care professional (HCP) medical education (MedEd) and SOC dermatology research.

Despite the growth in initiatives, certain areas remain under-addressed. There is a significant focus on HCP MedEd and SOC research, but limited activity targeting HCP communication and access to treatment. This suggests a need for a more coordinated approach to address these overlooked areas effectively.

In conclusion, while there has been progress in SOC-related dermatologic initiatives, many care gaps persist, particularly in HCP communication and access to treatment. A comprehensive and coordinated effort is necessary to make impactful changes and improve dermatologic care for patients with SOC, addressing both longstanding and emerging challenges.

Reference

Alexis A, Chovatiya R, Elbuluk N, Taylor S, et al. Shifting the care paradigm for individuals with skin of color (SOC): a comprehensive review of care gaps and emerging initiatives in dermatology. Poster presented at: Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis; June 8-10, 2024; Chicago, IL.