Australian dermatologists' perspective on skin of colour: Results of a national survey.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study documents the perspectives of Australian dermatologists on the adequacy of teaching and training in skin of colour (SOC), and their confidence in diagnosing and treating common medical, surgical and cosmetic issues in SOC and to gauge their desire for further training in this area.

METHODS

Surveys were distributed to Australasian Dermatologists during their annual scientific meeting in Melbourne, Australia in 2014. Completed surveys from dermatologists nationwide were collected and evaluated. Altogether 270 surveys were distributed.

RESULTS

In total, 140 surveys were completed and returned. Four surveys were excluded as they were completed by dermatologists who were not practicing in Australia. Thus, 136 surveys were deemed appropriate for analysis. While 75% of participants were confident in managing common medical issues in SOC 85% were not confident in managing common cosmetic issues in SOC and 75% were not confident performing procedures on SOC. Over 80% stated they would have liked more teaching in SOC during their training and over 50% of those surveyed believe they had enough time to undertake further training in this area.

CONCLUSION

We propose here the first analysis of issues relating to SOC dermatology among Australian dermatologists in the context of the changing patient demographic in the country. The findings of this survey clearly demonstrate there is a need and desire for more training in medical, cosmetic and procedural aspects of SOC dermatology and that most of the Australian dermatologists surveyed have the desire and time to undertake such training.