The International Dermatology Outcome Measures Group: formation of patient-centered outcome measures in dermatology

Abstract

As quality standards are increasingly in demand throughout medicine, dermatology needs to establish outcome measures to quantify the effectiveness of treatments and providers. The International Dermatology Outcome Measures Group was established to address this need. Beginning with psoriasis, the group aims to create a tool considerate of patients and providers using the input of all relevant stakeholders in assessment of disease severity and response to treatment. Herein, we delineate the procedures through which consensus is being reached and the future directions of the project.

Keywords: Delphi exercises; Dermatology Life Quality Index; International Dermatology Outcome Measures; National Psoriasis Foundation; Outcome Measures in Rheumatology; Physician Global Assessment; Psoriasis Area and Severity Index; body surface area; disease severity; patient-centered outcome measures; psoriasis; psoriatic arthritis; quality of life.