University of Bristol-led research comparing the effectiveness and safety of different types of moisturiser for childhood eczema has won the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research Paper of the Year (RPY) Award 2022.
The research was led by Matthew Ridd, a GP and Professor of Primary Care at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, and the award was announced at the RCGP Conference in Glasgow today [19 October].
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded ‘Best Emollients for Eczema (BEE)’ clinical trial compared lotions, creams, gels and ointments used to treat childhood eczema. The trial found no difference in the effectiveness or safety between the four emollient (moisturiser) types, leading the authors to conclude that “the right moisturiser for children is the one that they like to use.”
The study, the first in the world to compare different types of moisturiser directly, highlighted the importance of patient education and choice when deciding which moisturiser to use for children with childhood eczema. The findings were published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health in May 2022.
The five-year study involved over 500 children and their parents, recruited from 77 GP practices across England. It was a partnership with the Universities of Nottingham and Southampton and with support from Bristol Trials Centre, UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network, and Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) Integrated Care Board.
Professor Ridd, said: “I am delighted that our unique study has received this award. It is an opportunity to share the key messages that all types were similarly effective. Localized skin reactions were also common with all types. Previously, opinion was that ointments are more effective and less likely to cause irritation. However, ‘one size does not fit all’ and what suits people varies. Prescribers need to offer choice and educate on patients how to use emollients as well as what to use.”
Professor Carolyn Chew-Graham, Professor of General Practice Research at Keele University and Chair of the RCGP RPY, said: “This paper was judged by the RPY panel to be the overall winner of the award because the trial results are so relevant to children with eczema, their families and primary care clinicians, making decisions with parents about management of a child’s eczema. The paper speaks to the need for shared decision-making in managing this common condition.”
About the Research Paper of the Year Award
The RCGP Research Paper of the Year Award, gives recognition to an individual or group of researchers who have undertaken and published an exceptional piece of research relating to general practice or primary care. There are three categories: Clinical Research, Health Services Research (including Implementation and Public Health) and Medical Education with relevance to Primary Care. Papers are scored on the criteria of originality, impact, contribution to the reputation of general practice, scientific approach and presentation.
There were 59 eligible submissions for the 2022 award (made in 2023). Professor Ridd’s paper was both overall winner and winner in the Clinical Research category.
Find out more about the BEE Study
Download the ‘Decision Aid’ to help decide which type of moisturiser to use
Further information
About the Centre for Academic Primary Care
The Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at the University of Bristol is a leading centre for primary care research in the UK, one of nine forming the NIHR School for Primary Care Research.
It sits within Bristol Medical School, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for population health research and teaching.
Follow on ‘X’: @capcbristol
About the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
The mission of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. We do this by:
- Funding high quality, timely research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care;
- Investing in world-class expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services;
- Partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, improving the relevance, quality and impact of our research;
- Attracting, training and supporting the best researchers to tackle complex health and social care challenges;
- Collaborating with other public funders, charities and industry to help shape a cohesive and globally competitive research system;
- Funding applied global health research and training to meet the needs of the poorest people in low and middle income countries.
NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. Its work in low and middle income countries is principally funded through UK Aid from the UK government.
The NIHR is the research partner of the NHS, public health and social care.
