Student pharmacist accuracy and confidence in identifying dermatologic conditions in skin of color: a pilot study

The literature doesn't provide sufficient data on student pharmacist proficiency in identifying dermatologic conditions in skin of color (SOC). It is vital that pharmacists are knowledgeable to recognize dermatologic conditions in SOC for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the confidence and accuracy of student pharmacists in identifying dermatologic conditions specifically in individuals with SOC. This research aims to address the existing gap in the training and education of future pharmacists concerning the accurate recognition and confidence of identifying skin disorders in diverse patient populations.

Students enrolled in the Over-the-Counter Self-Care course answered 12 dermatologic-identification-based questions in diverse skin tones before and after dermatology lectures in the respective conditions. Additional survey questions were designed to test the self-reported confidence of identifying dermatologic conditions overall and dermatologic conditions in skin of color before and after completing the dermatology lectures. The primary outcome was analyzed using Wilcoxon Sign Rank test for median change in knowledge and confidence in identifying dermatologic conditions in diverse skin tones.

After lectures that presented dermatologic conditions in diverse skin tones, student pharmacist accuracy and confidence in identifying dermatologic conditions in diverse skin tones increased. Knowledge scores increased for skin type I-II (p < .001), III-IV (p = .311), and V-VI (p = .007). Knowledge scores also increased for conditions such as psoriasis (p < .001), acne (p = .05), and atopic dermatitis (p = .009).

Exposure to diverse skin tone imagery in a Self-Care course overall positively affected students' ability and confidence in identifying conditions in SOC.