residents were anonymously surveyed about their exposure, knowledge, and confidence treating and understanding patients of color with various dermatologic conditions. Following the final lecture, residents completed a similar survey and gave feedback on each lecture. Data were analyzed by grouping responses on a five or ten-point scale, through yes or no answers, or free response.
Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze data within groups (pre- and post-intervention). All analyses assumed a two-sided 5% level of significance. All analyses were conducted in SAS version 9.4 (The SAS Institute; Cary, NC). Qualitative analysis was conducted through open-ended questions. The Northwestern University Institutional Review Board deemed this study exempt.
RESULTS
There were 13 total participants in this study (4 first-year residents, 4 second-year residents, and 5 third-year residents). Participants attended all lectures and completed the pre- and post-intervention surveys.
When asked about exposure to patients of color during their dermatology residency on a scale of 1 (minimal exposure, ~20% of patients) to 5 (significant exposure, 100% of patients), responses ranged from 1 to 3 with a mean of 2.09.
Overall, 100% of learners felt that their ability to care for patients of color was improved by this curriculum. All learners felt that the skin of color curriculum should be an annual component of their dermatology academic curriculum and that other dermatology residents would benefit from this curriculum.
When asked to rate their overall confidence in managing patients with skin of color on a scale from 1 (minimally confident) to 10 (extremely confident), mean score went from 4.4 pre-intervention to 7.8 post-intervention (mean increase of 3.23) (P< .001) (Figure 1). Similarly significant increases in confidence level were demonstrated regarding counseling patients on cosmetic treatments, discussing ethnic hair care practices, and managing the social and cultural implications of skin of color (Figure 1).
Regarding the treatment of specific conditions common in skin of color, confidence improved in the treatment of several conditions common in skin of color. The most significant changes were noted in the management of acne keloidalis nuchae (mean increase of 2.54) (P< .003) and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (mean increase of 2.31) (P< .001), with mean pre-intervention confidence scores of 5 out of 10 for both conditions (Figure 2).
When asked open-ended questions about the most useful part of the week-long curriculum, residents cited the black hair lecture as a highlight of the curriculum, which included a hands-on demonstration of black hair-care products. Additionally, residents specified that they benefited from the focused, week-long structure to the curriculum. When asked what additional topics residents would recommend for future curricula, common themes included the incorporation of more information focusing on American Indian, Asian and Latinx patients.
When asked about exposure to patients of color during their dermatology residency on a scale of 1 (minimal exposure, ~20% of patients) to 5 (significant exposure, 100% of patients), responses ranged from 1 to 3 with a mean of 2.09.
Overall, 100% of learners felt that their ability to care for patients of color was improved by this curriculum. All learners felt that the skin of color curriculum should be an annual component of their dermatology academic curriculum and that other dermatology residents would benefit from this curriculum.
When asked to rate their overall confidence in managing patients with skin of color on a scale from 1 (minimally confident) to 10 (extremely confident), mean score went from 4.4 pre-intervention to 7.8 post-intervention (mean increase of 3.23) (P< .001) (Figure 1). Similarly significant increases in confidence level were demonstrated regarding counseling patients on cosmetic treatments, discussing ethnic hair care practices, and managing the social and cultural implications of skin of color (Figure 1).
Regarding the treatment of specific conditions common in skin of color, confidence improved in the treatment of several conditions common in skin of color. The most significant changes were noted in the management of acne keloidalis nuchae (mean increase of 2.54) (P< .003) and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (mean increase of 2.31) (P< .001), with mean pre-intervention confidence scores of 5 out of 10 for both conditions (Figure 2).
When asked open-ended questions about the most useful part of the week-long curriculum, residents cited the black hair lecture as a highlight of the curriculum, which included a hands-on demonstration of black hair-care products. Additionally, residents specified that they benefited from the focused, week-long structure to the curriculum. When asked what additional topics residents would recommend for future curricula, common themes included the incorporation of more information focusing on American Indian, Asian and Latinx patients.
