Use of Terminology for Patients in Research

The presentation focuses on the appropriate use of terminology regarding patients in research, specifically in the context of race, ethnicity, and skin tone reporting within the field of dermatology. Emphasizing the importance of the data source, it stresses how researchers should clarify whether patients’ racial and ethnic identities are reported via self-selection, investigator observation, or derived from electronic health records. It highlights the pitfalls of the 'other' category in demographic reporting and underscores the necessity of providing context for inclusivity. Several examples from JAMA Dermatology illustrate best practices, iterating that the reporting must be tailored to the specific study context and population. The discourse also touches on the lack of established norms for skin tone reporting in dermatology literature, urging researchers to specify the methodology behind categorizing skin tone, whether through patient report, physician observation, or algorithms. The session concludes by advocating for clarity in the choices made regarding race, ethnicity, and skin tone classifications in research, referencing resources available from the JAMA network to support these conversations and encourage ongoing evolution in inclusive language and reporting standards in scientific publications.