Developing a Dermatology Clinical Trials Network for Improved Therapeutics and Clinical Outcomes Research

The UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network (UK DCTN) was set up to develop and conduct independently funded, high-quality randomised controlled clinical trials in skin disease. A number of trials are now complete, with others in recruitment or development. A clearly defined pathway for trial development is followed; a prioritisation panel initially assesses the trial followed by further scrutiny and development advice from the Network Steering Group. The remit of the network has expanded to include James Lind Alliance research priority setting partnerships and building research capacity through training schemes and pump-priming awards. Global initiatives are also now underway including the International Federation of Dermatology Clinical Trial Networks (IFDCTN) to share knowledge and good practice and conduct trials in very rare conditions and the Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema (HOME) initiative which aims to agree on core outcome sets for eczema by global consensus.