Identification of translational dermatology research priorities in the U.K.: results of an electronic Delphi exercise

Healy, E., Brown, S.J., Langan, S.M., Nicholls, S.G., Shams, K. and Reynolds, N.J. (2015) Identification of translational dermatology research priorities in the U.K.: results of an electronic Delphi exercise. British Journal of Dermatology, 173(5), pp. 1191-1198. (doi: 10.1111/bjd.14022) (PMID:26149834)

Abstract

Background: Translational research is the direct application of basic and applied research to patient care. It is estimated that there are at least 2000 different skin diseases; thus, there are considerable challenges in seeking to undertake research on each of these disorders. Objectives: This electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) exercise was conducted in order to generate a list of translational dermatology research questions that are regarded as a priority for further investigations. Methods: During the first phase of the e-Delphi exercise, 228 research questions were generated by an expert panel that included clinical academic dermatologists, clinical dermatologists, nonclinical scientists, dermatology trainees and representatives from patient support groups. Results: Following completion of the second and third phases, 40 questions on inflammatory skin disease, 20 questions on structural skin disorders/genodermatoses, 37 questions on skin cancer and eight miscellaneous questions were designated as priority translational dermatology research questions (PRQs). In addition to PRQs on a variety of disease areas (including multiple PRQs on psoriasis, eczema, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma), there were a number of cross-cutting themes that identified a need to investigate mechanisms/pathogenesis of disease and the necessity to improve treatments for patients with skin disease. Conclusions: It is predicted that this list of PRQs will help to provide a strategic direction for translational dermatology research in the U.K. and that addressing this list of questions will ultimately provide clinical benefit for substantial numbers of patients with skin disorders.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Shams, Dr Kave
• Authors: Healy, E., Brown, S.J., Langan, S.M., Nicholls, S.G., Shams, K., and Reynolds, N.J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: British Journal of Dermatology
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0007-0963
• ISSN (Online): 1365-2133