Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Access to Dermatologic Services Within the Pediatric Oncology Population

Abstract

Purpose: Access to dermatologic care is often inadequate for racial and ethnic minorities. Limited data is available on whether these disparities exist amongst oncology patients. To investigate the racial and ethnic distribution of pediatric oncology patients seen by outpatient dermatology and examine differences in referral patterns and dermatologic diagnoses by race and ethnicity. Methods: A single-center retrospective chart review of pediatric oncology patients with at least one outpatient dermatology visit over an 8-year period. Descriptive and comparative statistical analysis between racial and ethnic groups was performed. Results: In comparison to minorities, a significantly greater proportion of non-Hispanic White patients had an outpatient dermatology visit (7.8% [362/4635] vs. 6.0% [103/1730], p = 0.0109), documentation of oncology’s intention to refer to dermatology (66% [187/281] vs. 50% [44/88],60 p = 0.0078) and visits for skin cancer surveillance (50.8% [184/362] vs. 36.9% [38/103], p = 61 0.0139). There was no difference in frequency of dermatologic diagnoses, including skin cancer. Conclusions: There are racial and ethnic disparities in the use of outpatient dermatology services by pediatric oncology patients, suggesting a need for improvement in access to care.