Paving the Way to Healthcare Equity: A Comprehensive Review of Care Gaps and Emerging Initiatives in Dermatology

Historically, dermatology research and clinical practice in the United States (USA) have overlooked important considerations in the dermatological care of individuals with skin of color (SOC). With growing awareness of the disparities in health outcomes among racial and ethnic groups, it is critical to recognize the existing care gaps and implement initiatives that promote healthcare equity. To identify the unmet dermatological needs of these populations, a literature review was conducted from January 2020 to October 2023, which revealed 18 distinct dermatological care gaps categorized under four root causes: cultural diversity, income status, racial bias, and underrepresentation in medical and research settings. An initiative scan was performed using a similar search and prioritization strategy to assess ongoing activities led by medical societies, pharmaceutical companies, and patient organizations to address these care gaps. Sustaining these evidence-based interventions is essential to reducing racial and ethnic disparities in dermatology and driving meaningful change in the healthcare system within the USA. This review offers a snapshot of the current dermatological care landscape for patients with SOC and proposes a structured framework for evaluating outcomes and guiding future initiatives.

Duke Scholars

Author Amber Reck Atwater Dermatology