Wait Times and Health Care Utilization Among Refugee Patients in Dermatology: A Retrospective Chart Review
December 2023
in “
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
”
Studysummary This study reported that refugee patients referred to dermatology faced significantly longer wait times for consultations compared to the general population, highlighting potential disparities in access to care.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This study examined health care utilization and wait times for dermatology among 33 refugee patients with dermatologic complaints at a clinic in North Carolina. The majority of patients were from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Of those referred to dermatology, the mean wait time for a consultation was 217.5 days, significantly longer than the 33-day average for the general population. Common diagnoses included acne, telogen effluvium, and female-pattern hair loss. Most patients received prescriptions, and one-third underwent medical procedures. The study highlights significant delays in care for refugees, which may exacerbate health disparities and underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve access to dermatologic care for this population. Limitations include the small sample size and lack of a comparator group.
