Dermatology clinical quality indicators

The clinical quality indicators for dermatology are:

 

Eczema

This is the clinical quality indicator for the proportion of patients whose Eczema Area and Severity Index improves after treatment.

Rationale

The Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) is an objective measure of the severity and extent of atopic eczema which is already reoutinely used in our clinical practice to monitor response to treatment.

Comment on current performance

Expected in Spring 2014

 

Psoriasis

This is the clinical quality indicator for the proportion of patients achieving a reduction in severity and/or coverage of their psoriasis, as measured on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).

Rationale

The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) is an objective measure of psoriasis severity and coverage. It is an established outcome measure used in clinical trials. The maximum score is 72.

Comment on current performance

Expected in Spring 2014

 

Quality of life in inflammatory skin conditions

This is the clinical quality indicator for the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), a validated patient-reported outcome measure that looks at the impact of dermatological conditions upon a person's feeling of wellbeing, their relationships and daily activities. It is scored out of 30. Lower is better.

Rationale

Dermatological conditions can markedly impact on a person's quality of life.

The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is a dermatology-specific measure of quality of life, and is the most frequently used measure in clinical trials.

Comment on current performance

Expected in Spring 2014