A Macbeth1, J Tomlinson2, A Messenger3, K Moore-Millar4, C Michaelides5, A Shipman6, J Kassim7, J Brockley8, W Szczecinska9, P Farrant10, R Robinson11, J Rodgers12, J Chambers2, S Upadhyaya13, M Harries14. 1. Department of Dermatology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY, U.K. 2. Alopecia UK Trustee, Shipley, U.K. 3. Department of Dermatology, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, U.K. 4. Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, U.K. 5. Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic, London, U.K. 6. Department of Dermatology, Warwick Hospital, Warwick, Warwickshire, U.K. 7. Dermatology Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth, U.K. 8. Department of Dermatology, Cannock Chase Hospital, Cannock, U.K. 9. Department of Dermatology, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust Standard Institution, Birmingham, U.K. 10. Department of Dermatology, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, U.K. 11. Department of Dermatology, Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, U.K. 12. Patient Representative, Birmingham, U.K. 13. The James Lind Alliance, Oxford, U.K. 14. The Dermatology Centre, University of Manchester, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, Greater Manchester, U.K.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hair and scalp problems are common. Unfortunately, many uncertainties exist around the most effective management and treatment strategies for these disorders. OBJECTIVES: To identify uncertainties in hair-loss management, prevention, diagnosis and treatment that are important to both people with hair loss and healthcare professionals. METHODS: A Hair Loss Priority Setting Partnership was established between patients, their carers and relatives, and healthcare professionals to identify the most important uncertainties in hair loss. The methodology of the James Lind Alliance was followed to ensure a balanced, inclusive and transparent process. RESULTS: In total, 2747 treatment uncertainties were submitted by 912 participants; following exclusions 884 uncertainties relating to hair loss (excluding alopecia areata) were analysed. Questions were combined into 'indicative uncertainties' following a structured format. A series of ranking exercises further reduced this list to a top 25 that was taken to a final prioritization workshop where the top 10 priorities were agreed. CONCLUSIONS: We present the top 10 research priorities for hair loss (excluding alopecia areata) to guide researchers and funding bodies to support studies important to both patients and clinicians.
BACKGROUND: Hair and scalp problems are common. Unfortunately, many uncertainties exist around the most effective management and treatment strategies for these disorders. OBJECTIVES: To identify uncertainties in hair-loss management, prevention, diagnosis and treatment that are important to both people with hair loss and healthcare professionals. METHODS:A Hair Loss Priority Setting Partnership was established between patients, their carers and relatives, and healthcare professionals to identify the most important uncertainties in hair loss. The methodology of the James Lind Alliance was followed to ensure a balanced, inclusive and transparent process. RESULTS: In total, 2747 treatment uncertainties were submitted by 912 participants; following exclusions 884 uncertainties relating to hair loss (excluding alopecia areata) were analysed. Questions were combined into 'indicative uncertainties' following a structured format. A series of ranking exercises further reduced this list to a top 25 that was taken to a final prioritization workshop where the top 10 priorities were agreed. CONCLUSIONS: We present the top 10 research priorities for hair loss (excluding alopecia areata) to guide researchers and funding bodies to support studies important to both patients and clinicians.