Set targets, assess response, intervene early to achieve minimal disease activity in atopic dermatitis (STRIVE AD): A modified Delphi consensus project to optimize management of atopic dermatitis in the United Kingdom

TL;DR

Experts in the UK developed consensus guidelines to better manage atopic dermatitis by focusing on patient needs, early intervention, and consistent severity assessments.

Contribution

A UK-specific consensus project using a modified Delphi method to optimize atopic dermatitis management through practical clinical recommendations.

Findings

Strong consensus (≥90%) was achieved for 24 out of 27 statements across five topics.

Recommendations emphasize patient-centric care, early intervention, and consistent severity assessment.

The consensus aimed to be practical for everyday clinical use in the UK.

Abstract

Guidelines for the management and treatment of atopic dermatitis have been extensively published in Europe and globally, however these are not always relevant to the United Kingdom (UK) clinical setting.

To develop consensus statements for the optimized management of adults and children with atopic dermatitis in the UK.

Consensus statements were developed by an expert advisory panel following a targeted literature review, based on 5 topics (patient centric approach, assessing severity consistently, setting treatment targets, early intervention, and optimizing treatment). Consensus statements were voted on using a 5-point Likert scale in a Delphi over 3 rounds by 12 multidisciplinary, geographically spread participants. Consensus was reached if ≥75% of the voting participants rated the statement as 4 or 5.

Strong consensus (≥90%) was achieved for 24 out of 27 statements. The level of consensus by topic was: Patient centric approach (92%-100%); Assessing severity consistently (75%-100%); Setting treatment targets (83%-100%); Intervening early (92%-100%); Optimizing treatment (92%).

Due to the design and objectives of the study only a small number of participants were invited to take part.

The following recommendations have been developed to be practical and easy to implement within everyday clinical practice.

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