$tagsList = ['Hidradenitis Suppurativa','Hives','HIV/AIDS','Psoriatic Arthritis','Psoriasis']; $catList = ['Hidradenitis Suppurativa','Hives','HIV/AIDS','Psoriatic Arthritis','Psoriasis']; Skip to main content

Racial disparities can act as a barrier to appropriate access to care in pediatric patients with vitiligo and alopecia areata. Virtual group visits may help fill the gap in access to care among pediatric patients of color.

Vitiligo and alopecia areata (AA) disproportionately affect the mental and emotional health of pediatric patients of color. Racial barriers to in-person care, among other racial disparities, can make the treatment of these conditions challenging while increasing the burden of disease.

One study, published in Pediatric Dermatology, examined the use of virtual pediatric group visits to bring patients and families together and reduce barriers to care. The study included 18 patients with alopecia areata and 12 patients with vitiligo. Most participants of the study were female (59%) and/or Black (64%). The rest of the participants were Latinx (23%), South Asian (6%), or Middle Eastern (6%).

All patients had attended an initial individual visit before agreeing to participate in the group visits with their parents. Ten group visits were conducted via Zoom, and surveys were given before and after. Each session included ice-breaker activities, personal discussions, and patient education. Around 60% of patients and 80% of parents felt the virtual group sessions were helpful. A majority of children (71%) and their parents (79%) also reported that they would attend future virtual group visits.

Group virtual visits may be useful for improving patient education in pediatric patients with vitiligo or alopecia areata. The age of the internet has allowed healthcare providers to address barriers to care, especially in patients who may experience inequities in care. Healthcare providers are encouraged to implement virtual group visits to support pediatric patients and their families who may otherwise face challenges in receiving appropriate care.

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Source:
Khosla, N. N., Grullon, K., & Rosenblatt, A. E. (2021). Virtual group visits to reduce psychosocial distress and racial disparities in pediatric vitiligo and alopecia areata patients. Pediatric Dermatology, 38 Suppl 2, 132-134. https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.14782