Black Dermatologist Urges Psoriasis Trial Participation

Did you know that Black patients make up only about five percent of participants in clinical trials? Dr. Chesahna Kindred, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Kindred Hair & Skin Center, is on a mission to change that, particularly when it comes to research on skin conditions like psoriasis.

Bridging the Gap in Clinical Research

Dr. Kindred points out a critical issue: dermatological conditions often present differently on melanin-rich skin, yet clinical research trials frequently lack diverse representation. This disparity can lead to misdiagnoses or delayed diagnoses for Black patients. For instance, in the case of psoriasis, a lack of diverse data might result in the overuse of treatments like topical steroids, which can potentially damage the skin over time.

She also acknowledges the historical mistrust within the Black community towards the medical industry, citing the Tuskegee Experiment as a significant factor. This mistrust persists today, with Black patients often feeling more comfortable discussing health concerns with and respecting the opinions of doctors of the same race.

The Importance of Diverse Facilitators

To combat this mistrust and improve representation, Dr. Kindred emphasizes the importance of recruiting diverse Principal Investigators (PIs), or clinical trial facilitators. Having Black doctors who are also trained PIs can create a vital bridge, making Black patients feel heard, understood, and more inclined to participate in clinical trials.

She uses psoriasis as a prime example: because the condition manifests differently on Black skin compared to white skin, having Black patients involved in trials is essential. Dr. Kindred stresses that everyone involved in enrolling patients—from PIs to coordinators—must be committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). “That way, we get biases out of the clinical trials,” she explained. “We have to unravel some of those layers, and part of it is the PIs being diverse.”

Meeting Patients Where They Are

A core aspect of DEI is ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds feel welcomed and supported. Doctors who embody this principle can tailor their communication to make patients feel comfortable and truly heard. For example, instead of using potentially intimidating medical terms like ‘scaling plaques’ for psoriasis, Dr. Kindred suggests using simpler language like ‘thick, flaky bumps’ to ensure patient understanding.

Recruiting patients from diverse communities is key to reducing bias and promoting social justice and health equity. Dr. Kindred advises against a passive approach; instead, healthcare providers should actively reach out to patients. “Go to the patient, and that will really help to make sure that there’s a diverse population in clinical trials,” she urged. This proactive approach is vital, especially when geographical, transportation, or socioeconomic factors can make clinical trial sites inaccessible for many Black patients.