Nursing Education Supporting Inclusive Skin and Hair Care

INTRODUCTION: Inclusive hair and skin care are essential for culturally congruent health care; however, hospitalized patients with textured hair and skin of color experience limited access to appropriate products. Nursing staff also report gaps in knowledge related to culturally responsive care of hair and skin. This initiative aimed to improve care through product access and education. METHODS: A quality improvement project was conducted at a Midwestern academic medical center. Surveys of nurses, patient care assistants, and employee resource groups informed product selection and education design. Interventions included stocking products and providing education supported by a webpage and video library. RESULTS: Post-education evaluations showed increased knowledge of hair and skin care, along with improved confidence and ability to provide culturally sensitive care. DISCUSSION: Addressing hair and skin care through access to products and education enhances patient care. This model offers a replicable framework to improve inclusive hair and skin care practices.