Acne Delphi Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing and feasibility testing guidelines for the management of acne vulgaris in community pharmacy
IRAS ID
207452
Contact name
Derek Stewart
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Robert Gordon University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Acne is one of the most skin conditions affecting 80% of those aged between 13 and 18 years of age and there is a wide and confusing range of treatments available, ranging from general sale list to pharmacy only to prescription only and even specialist only. Marketing surrounding this product group and the social consequences of acne may result in patient demands or perceived preferences, which may influence the recommendations of health professionals. Although clinical guidelines for acne exist,the role of pharmacists in helping patients to self-care is generally not covered.
In the present study we will undertake semi-structured interviews with dermatologists to obtain insight into their perspectives on the management of acne in pharmacies. The data generated from these interviews will aid the development of questions for a Delphi process in an attempt to gain consensus from an expert panel on the severity of acne which should be managed in pharmacies, the criteria that should prompt pharmacists to refer patients with acne to their GP and the most suitable over the counter treatment options for acne. This information will be used to aid the development of a guideline that can be used to help pharmacists who request treatment for acne in pharmacies. We will also conduct semi-structured interviews with the pharmacists who have used the guideline in practice to explore their views on the usefulness of the guideline in practice.REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
16/NI/0120
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion