A plea for making brown bandages stick.

Area of Science:

• Medical supplies and patient inclusivity.
• Symbolism in healthcare practices.

Background:

• The adhesive bandage, invented by Johnson & Johnson 100 years ago, became an industry standard.
• Historically, bandages predominantly came in one beige shade, reinforcing a narrow definition of normal.
• Recent availability of bandages in multiple skin tones marks a significant shift.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the symbolic significance of adhesive bandages in clinical settings.
• To advocate for the adoption of diverse skin tone bandages to enhance patient inclusivity.
• To encourage healthcare providers to decolonize clinical practices through symbolic gestures.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of the historical and symbolic role of bandages.
• Discussion of the implications of bandage color on patient perception and inclusion.
• Advocacy for adopting diverse bandages in clinical practice.

Main Results:

• The traditional beige bandage symbolizes a normative standard, potentially marginalizing patients with different skin tones.
• The introduction of multi-skin tone bandages offers an opportunity to visibly acknowledge and include all patients.
• Symbolic gestures like inclusive bandages can contribute to a more welcoming and equitable healthcare environment.

Conclusions:

• Adopting bandages in various skin tones is a simple yet powerful way to promote diversity and inclusion in healthcare.
• This inclusive practice can help patients feel seen and validated, countering feelings of being 'deviations from the norm'.
• Decolonizing clinical spaces involves recognizing and celebrating diversity in all aspects, including medical supplies.