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Description

Racial health disparities are apparent in the field of dermatology across the United States. Certain dermatologic conditions are more likely to go undiagnosed in people with skin of color (SOC), leading to increased morbidity/mortality. Underrepresentation of darker skin tones in medical education may be a contributing factor. This study explores the ability and confidence of TUNCOM students to recognize dermatological conditions on various skin tones.

A 23 question survey was given to 173 second year students to examine their ability and confidence in identifying dermatologic conditions on non-SOC (Fitzpatrick I-III) and SOC (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). Images of common skin disorders on different skin types were shown and students answered with a diagnosis and their level of confidence in their answer. Disorders included atopic dermatitis, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, psoriasis, and tinea versicolor.

51% of students reported adequate exposure to dermatologic conditions in their medical training. For all dermatologic conditions presented, the proportion of correct SOC identifications was less than the proportion of correct non-SOC identifications. Levels of confidence in determining the correct diagnosis on SOC was lower than non-SOC, excluding atopic dermatitis and melanoma. 66% of students felt they had adequate exposure to conditions on SOC in their dermatology course. 32% of students felt that outside study resources had adequate numbers of images of dermatological conditions on SOC.

Our study demonstrates that students exhibit a lower level of accuracy and confidence in diagnosing dermatologic conditions on SOC. Addressing this proficiency gap is imperative in achieving equitable healthcare outcomes.

Disciplines

Dermatology | Health and Medical Administration | Health and Physical Education | Health Services Research | Medical Education | Medical Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences | Primary Care | Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Document Type

Event

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Confidence of Clark County Medical Students in Identifying Dermatologic Conditions on Different Fitzpatrick Skin Types

Racial health disparities are apparent in the field of dermatology across the United States. Certain dermatologic conditions are more likely to go undiagnosed in people with skin of color (SOC), leading to increased morbidity/mortality. Underrepresentation of darker skin tones in medical education may be a contributing factor. This study explores the ability and confidence of TUNCOM students to recognize dermatological conditions on various skin tones.

A 23 question survey was given to 173 second year students to examine their ability and confidence in identifying dermatologic conditions on non-SOC (Fitzpatrick I-III) and SOC (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). Images of common skin disorders on different skin types were shown and students answered with a diagnosis and their level of confidence in their answer. Disorders included atopic dermatitis, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, psoriasis, and tinea versicolor.

51% of students reported adequate exposure to dermatologic conditions in their medical training. For all dermatologic conditions presented, the proportion of correct SOC identifications was less than the proportion of correct non-SOC identifications. Levels of confidence in determining the correct diagnosis on SOC was lower than non-SOC, excluding atopic dermatitis and melanoma. 66% of students felt they had adequate exposure to conditions on SOC in their dermatology course. 32% of students felt that outside study resources had adequate numbers of images of dermatological conditions on SOC.

Our study demonstrates that students exhibit a lower level of accuracy and confidence in diagnosing dermatologic conditions on SOC. Addressing this proficiency gap is imperative in achieving equitable healthcare outcomes.