What Matters Most to Minoritized Families in Pediatric Dermatology Care: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Limited access to pediatric dermatology care is a well-recognized issue for racially and/or ethnically minoritized (Black, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native [AI/AN]) communities. Little is known about their experiences utilizing dermatology care. Understanding the perspectives of affected families will aid healthcare systems in reducing disparities.

Objective: To identify racially and/or ethnically minoritized families' values regarding their children's dermatology care, opinions regarding racial concordance between the patient and healthcare clinicians, and perceptions of how pediatric dermatologists can improve their practice.

Methods: English- or Spanish-speaking parents and/or guardians of children receiving care at a pediatric dermatology clinic identifying as Black, Hispanic, or AI/AN were interviewed from November 2, 2023, to January 23, 2024. Thematic analysis was conducted using a reflexive, team-based inductive approach.

Results: Thirty-two parents were interviewed. Four major themes were identified: Being Heard, Patient-Clinician Racial and/or Ethnic Concordance, Patient-Clinician Gender Concordance, and Pediatric Patient-Clinician Relationship. Being heard was the most important factor, defined as experiencing validation, empathy, patience, and respect for patient autonomy from their child's clinician. Racial and/or ethnic concordance between the patient and clinician was another commonly identified theme from interviews. Parents valued comparable minority backgrounds over racial and/or ethnic concordance with their child's clinician. Many parents expressed preferences for gender concordance, clinician familiarity with the patient, and specific clinician communication styles when engaging children.

Conclusions: Black, Hispanic, and AI/AN families shared that racial and/or ethnic concordance does matter, but being heard matters more. Assessing patient priorities through interpersonal skills training should be a core competency in dermatology residency education to enhance the care of our diverse and underserved patients and their families.