Research Impact
The Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology mainly concentrates on research that is able to address questions of direct relevance to patients, clinicians and NHS managers. Because of this, our research often has a direct impact on patient care. This is achieved in a number of ways as outlined below:
Setting research priorities
The CEBD plays a key role in informing priorities for skin research in the UK. Our model of a continuous research cycle allows clinical research needs to be identified, prioritised and met.
UK DUETs
The Centre regularly contributes to the Database of Uncertainties about the Effects of Treatment. Research gaps that have been identified through systematic reviews are all entered onto the DUETs database.
James Lind Alliance
The CEBD and the UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network are affiliate members of the James Lind Allliance. They are now working closely together in setting research priorities of importance to patients and the public.
Changing clinical practice
Policy Changes
The Centre concentrates exclusively on applied research that is of direct benefit to patients and clinicians. As such, our research is well placed to impact on clinical practice at both a local and a national level. These developments are regularly monitored and summarised in our Annual Reports.
NICE Guidelines
Members of the Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology regularly contribute to NICE guidance relating to skin conditions and their treatment.
Other Clinical Guidelines
Our work is often cited in clinical guidelines and members of the Centre regularly contribute to the development and review of new guidelines. For details of disease-specific clinical guidelines, please see the NHS Evidence -website.
Improving research quality
Quality Reporting (EQUATOR)
Professor Hywel Williams continues to contribute to, and is a keen supporter of, the EQUATOR Network. This is an international initiative that seeks to improve the reliability of medical research literature by promoting transparent and accurate reporting of research studies. Full details of all reporting guidelines (eg. CONSORT, QUOROM, STROBE, SQUIRE), plus a wealth of other resources, are available at www.equator-network.org
Development of Core Outcome Measures (COMET)
Professor Hywel Williams and Dr Kim Thomas are assisting with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative. This project builds on the successful work of the OMERACT group (in rheumatology), and aims to identify a core set of outcome measures for use in future clinical trials.
Harmonizing Outcome Measures for Eczema (HOME)
Members of the CEBD are working with colleagues throughout the world to establish a core outcome set for use in eczema trials. Further details of this international collaboration can be found on its website.
Disseminating research
We are keen to support initiatives that ensure up-to-date research evidence is available for those who need it most. We work with patient support groups and the media whenever possible to disseminate our research findings, and have now established a CEBD Patient Panel in order to help with this process.
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