95% of healthcare professionals do not feel confident diagnosing dermatology conditions across skin tones

Summary

This blog by Pastest, a provider of medical exam preparation resources, explores how different organisations are developing transformative initiatives to diversify clinical practice. It highlights the results of a global survey that reveals a critical gap in dermatological diagnosis across skin tones and explores the need for a multifaceted approach to anti-racist medicine.

Content

Medical education plays a crucial role in shaping the quality of healthcare delivery. However, it's become increasingly evident that traditional approaches to medical education often fall short in adequately preparing healthcare professionals to address the diverse needs of all patients—particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

A ground-breaking global survey has revealed a sobering statistic: 5% of healthcare professionals feel confident in diagnosing dermatology conditions across a spectrum of skin tones. This alarming finding indicates a pressing need for enhanced inclusivity in medical education and clinical practice.

In the US, five-year survival rates for skin cancer are 70% among black people and 92% among white people. The skin is often regarded as a reflection of overall health. But why are clinicians lacking proper training and frequently overlooking certain conditions in patients with Black skin?

Dr Zeshan Qureshi, a renowned paediatrician and BMJ author, sheds light on medical education’s failure to address the nuances of dermatology across ethnic minority groups. His experience attending a course where materials predominantly featured patients with white skin emphasises a systemic issue in healthcare education.

"Anti-racist medicine is multifaceted"

Recognising the multifaceted nature of anti-racist medicine and supported by the National Health Service (NHS), the organisations—Black and Brown Skin and Pastest—are spearheading transformative initiatives to diversify clinical practice and bridge the gap in medical education.

Black and Brown Skin, a dedicated advocate for diversity in healthcare, is leading the Mind the Gap campaign. This progressive effort aims to provide comprehensive resources and training modules that authentically depict diverse skin tones and conditions. By empowering healthcare professionals with culturally competent care skills, this initiative seeks to eradicate systemic biases and promote health equity.

At the same time, the NHS is revolutionising medical training by embracing inclusive design principles to accurately reflect the diverse spectrum of skin tones and pathologies encountered in clinical practice. Through projects like auditing their website and funding UWE Bristol’s Reframe initiative, the NHS is committed to creating educational materials that promote comprehensive and culturally sensitive care.

Aligning with these movements, Pastest—a provider of medical exam preparation resources—has launched the ‘Dermatology for Dark Skin’ project. This pioneering project aims to combat the scarcity of diverse imagery in dermatology education by curating a vast collection of images showcasing skin conditions across different dark skin tones and age groups.

The efforts of these organisations represent a significant stride towards achieving health equity. While each initiative operates independently, their alignment reinforces an unyielding commitment to fostering cultural competency in medical education and practice.

For further information you can contact courtney.roberts@pastest.co.uk