Inclusive practice: Skin tones and health outcomes

Authors and presenter*

• Lap-San Howitt, School of Nursing, CoHM*

• Catherine Teare, School of Nursing, CoHM

• Clinton Au, School of Paramedicine, CoHM

• Angela Rao-Newton, School of Nursing, CoHM

• Laura Evans, School of Nursing, CoHM

• Kerry Reid-Searl, School of Nursing, CoHM

Abstract

The Eurocentric approach to teaching health assessment is exclusive of the biological attributes of patients with various skin tones. Underrepresentation of other skin tones in nursing and paramedicine education may introduce bias and lead to inaccurate assessment. Literature suggests that better representation of darker skin tones can help to improve knowledge deficits and improve health outcomes (Pusey-Reid et al., 2023).  

This Lightning presentation will explore an initiative to embed examples of biological differences in physical assessment that are inclusive of patients with different skin tones. Review of undergraduate nursing (NUR239) and paramedicine (CAA100) units identified areas where teaching content could be modified to include assessment of people with all skin tones. These areas include pupil assessment; pallor; inflammation; trauma and injury; and skin disorders.

Best practice examples of assessment of people with different skin tones have been developed in collaboration with the NUR239/CAA100 teaching teams. Retrospective data on the proportion of students who correctly identified a skin tone consideration within their OSCE assessments will be collated. Student feedback will be sought in an anonymous, optional two-item student feedback survey at the conclusion of the unit.

This interdisciplinary collaboration helps normalise teaching by including all skin tones in the A-E assessment framework in Nursing, and in the primary survey in Paramedicine within the undergraduate Nursing and Paramedicine curriculums. It enables students to consider that current practices are exclusive when working with diverse communities. Inclusive assessment practices will lead to the collection of accurate clinical data and effective care plans for all patients.

Reference

Pusey-Reid, E., Quinn, L., Samost, M. E., & Reidy, P. A. (2023) Skin Assessment in Patients with Dark Skin Tone. Am J Nurs., 123(3), 36-43. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NAJ.0000921800.61980.7e