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Identification of translational dermatology research priorities in the U.K.: results of an electronic Delphi exercise
Author(s) -
Healy E.,
Brown S.J.,
Langan S.M.,
Nicholls S.G.,
Shams K.,
Reynolds N.J.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.14022
Subject(s) - translational research , delphi method , dermatology , medicine , psoriasis , disease , delphi , skin cancer , family medicine , cancer , pathology , computer science , artificial intelligence , operating system
Summary 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 ( PRQ s). In addition to PRQ s on a variety of disease areas (including multiple PRQ s 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 PRQ s 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.