2024 Annual SIG Report

Activities

Last year, due to lack of funding, the group’s annual meeting was held virtually. However, this meant that attendees could come from further afield, with one participant joining from Melbourne, Australia, as well as from across the UK and Ireland. The all-day meeting was on the 25th January 2024, and there were 17 attendees including professors, patient and public members, dermatologists, general practitioners, nurses and primary researchers. There were 13 presentations, which included topics on ‘dermatology practise in Australian general practitioners’, There were updates on trials such as ‘proactive versus reactive use of TCS for management of lichen sclerosus’ (PEARLS), ‘rapid eczema trials’ and ‘acne care online’. There were also talks on ‘transforming outcomes for paediatric allergy in primary care’ (TOPIC) and the role of GPs in managing conditions such as hidradenitis suppurative and acne.

Future Plans

Our next meeting is in person, on Wednesday 5th February 2025 (at the British Association of Dermatologists, London), funded by research grants. There are 27 participants and 15 planned presentations, with talks including subjects of artificial intelligence, topical steroids, and skin of colour.

Evidence of impact of the SIG

The group, which is affiliated to the Research Delivery Network Dermatology Specialty Group, has 103 members on its mailing list. This mailing list serves as a useful dissemination platform for new research such as taking part in priority setting partnerships, awards and funding opportunities, meetings such as the annual SAPC Skin SIG meeting, and any other topics of interest. The group members also receive monthly updates of relevant research publications, which is provided by Kate Clement at the Centre for Evidence Based Dermatology (CEBD). As well as CEBD, the group benefits from a strong relationship with the UK Dermatology Controlled Trials Network and is always looking for ways to support the development of research relevant to primary care through partner organisations.

How affiliation with SAPC has helped the SIG

The Dermatology groups’ aim is to promote research into the prevention, diagnosis and management of the skin problems commonly seen in primary care. The group represents clinicians, academics and patients interested in primary care-based dermatology research, providing opportunities for networking and a forum for the generation of ideas, discussion of research proposals and the formation of collaborations, as well as aid the dissemination of well-conducted primary care dermatology research. Affiliation (as no funding for the group is provided by SAPC for its running) helps new people find the group.