Summary

The Skinclusive Hub, a UK-based medical education platform, set out to advance dermatology training and promote inclusivity through a free, 15-part national dermatology teaching series. The aims were twofold: advancing dermatology and promoting inclusivity. Through the series, barriers were broken down and a comprehensive education pathway was provided. A priority was placed on teaching about skin of colour, addressing unique challenges that are often overlooked. Topics spanned diverse skin types, including common skin conditions, nail diseases, hair and scalp disorders, colourism and psychodermatology. By stimulating discussions on diversity and raising over £700 for the British Skin Foundation, a commitment to equitable healthcare education and research was demonstrated.

Method

The Skinclusive Hub was established to address the gap in dermatological education concerning skin of colour and diverse skin types. It aimed to provide comprehensive education to healthcare professionals globally, engaging key stakeholders, such as medical professionals, educators, students and the British Skin Foundation with a holistic approach. With a planned timeframe of March to June 2024 and milestones for each teaching session, goals included raising awareness of dermatological issues in diverse populations, fostering inclusivity in healthcare and fundraising for research. To achieve these goals, a 15-part teaching series was established, covering various aspects of dermatology and designed to meet users’ identified needs. Interactive elements were integrated to engage participants, facilitated through online platforms. Outcomes were measured through participant feedback, fundraising records and social media analytics.

Results

The initiative was effective in improving efficiency, supporting better outcomes and benefiting people with skin conditions. By providing comprehensive education on dermatology, particularly focusing on skin of colour, healthcare professionals' knowledge and skills were enhanced, leading to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments. This initiative facilitated increased awareness and understanding of diversity issues within dermatology, promoting inclusivity and reducing disparities in care. Participants reported improved confidence in managing diverse skin conditions, contributing to better patient outcomes. Additionally, by raising funds for research through the British Skin Foundation, advancements in dermatological care and treatment options were supported. The Skinclusive Hub initiative demonstrated its effectiveness in driving positive change, empowering healthcare professionals and improving outcomes for individuals with skin conditions.

Sustainability and Spread

The Skinclusive Hub initiative ensures sustainability through systematic dissemination of project outcomes. Multiple channels have been utilised to share practices, including professional networks, online social media platforms and academic conferences. All teaching sessions were recorded and made available for attendees to watch for a period afterwards, ensuring accessibility and extending the reach of the educational content. Future plans include disseminating the delivered information as part of Quality Improvement (QI), potentially through partnerships with educational institutions or integration into existing dermatology curricula. By fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and continuous learning, it aims to create a lasting impact in dermatological education and promote equitable healthcare practices for all.