Evaluation of clinical scales among populations diagnosed with atopic dermatitis: A scoping review

Summary: Abstract Body: This scoping review seeks to determine the availability of current diagnostic scales for atopic dermatitis in skin of colour populations, emphasizing sensitivity, specificity, inter-rater reliability, feasibility, and impact on clinical decision-making. Five peer-reviewed databases were searched for studies published between 2014 and 2024, focusing on quantitative research, including validation and observational studies. Studies on diagnostic scales' effectiveness were considered, excluding those lacking methodological details or focusing solely on treatment outcomes. These studies were screened in duplicate by blinded reviewers with a third independent reconciler. Data extraction and quality appraisal using the GRADE tool and the Covidence platform followed. 1856 articles underwent title/abstract screening, and 360 eligible studies were identified, including hand searches. Data extraction and quality appraisal synthesized findings on diagnostic scale performance in Canada and the United States. Thematic analysis was employed to elucidate trends and disparities in atopic dermatitis diagnosis and management across different demographic groups. Current scale criterium provide unclear descriptions to distinguish signs and symptoms, and were qualitatively assessed. By critically evaluating the current landscape of diagnostic tools for atopic dermatitis, this scoping review aims to validate current tools and inform future research priorities and interventions aimed at reducing disparities in atopic dermatitis outcomes and improving healthcare equity for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity. Future studies should evaluate the accuracy of diagnostic tools for skin of colour populations diagnosed with alternate types of dermatitis/eczema skin conditions. Joy Xu¹, Sahrish Masood², Sahrish Masood³ 1. University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States. 2. McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. 3. The Michener Institute of Education at UHN, Toronto, ON, Canada. Minoritized Populations and Health Disparities Research