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Difficult but doable: Health professional perspectives of assessing clinical deterioration in children with dark-coloured skin

Observable signs of clinical deterioration may present differently in children with dark-coloured skin, leading to potential missed or delayed recognition. It is unknown how health professionals approach assessment in children with dark-coloured skin. 

Citation:
Kelly C, Leslie GD, Laird P, Stokes S, Odutolu Y, Gill FJ. Difficult but doable: Health professional perspectives of assessing clinical deterioration in children with dark-coloured skin. Aust Crit Care. 2026;39(3).

Keywords:
Australia; Clinical deterioration; Paediatric assessment; Remote; Skin of colour; Skin pigmentation; Urban

Abstract:
Observable signs of clinical deterioration may present differently in children with dark-coloured skin, leading to potential missed or delayed recognition. It is unknown how health professionals approach assessment in children with dark-coloured skin.