Improving Equity in Pediatric Dermatology: A Geospatial Approach to Access and Resource Allocation
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Hometown Pediatric Dermatology
Overview:
Children living far from board-certified pediatric dermatologists (BCPDs) may face extra barriers to care, especially among underserved racial groups or in rural areas. We will use geospatial and statistical analyses to study if race-based disparities exist for children seeking care from a BCPD in each U.S. state by comparing the racial composition of children who live beyond a one-hour drive from a BCPD. Furthermore, we will use geospatial modeling to determine the 50 U.S. cities currently without a BCPD which, if a BCPD was placed in those cities, would maximize access for children currently living beyond the one-hour travel threshold. We will quantify how many children would gain timely access and create a ranked list of these cities to inform where new BCPD clinics would promote the greatest increase in access. Our goal is to reduce geographic and racial inequities in children’s access to BCPDs.
Status:
This was funded through a 2025 PeDRA Emerging Investigator Research Grant.