Expert Consensus on Photoprotection Practices: A Delphi Study

NCT07296588 | Enrolling By Invitation

• 1 other identifier: Photoprotection-VRC
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 15
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study is a Delphi-based expert consensus project aimed at developing evidence-informed recommendations for photoprotection practices across various populations, including general, at-risk, and special groups (e.g., children, pregnant women, patients with photodermatoses). Despite extensive evidence on the importance of sun protection, there is variability in clinical advice regarding sunscreen selection, application frequency, SPF requirements, adjunctive protective measures, and patient counseling.

Conditions

Photoprotection; Sunscreen; Sunscreen Agents; Sun Damaged Skin; Sun Exposure

Keywords

Photopretection; sunscreen; consensus; delphi method; Expert panel

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Primary Outcome

  Level of expert consensus on statements regarding photoprotection practices, measured as the proportion of panelists reaching the predefined agreement threshold (e.g., ≥70-80%) per statement across Delphi rounds.

  6-12 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Secondary Outcomes

  6-12 weeks

Study Arms (1)

Expert Panel

The study population will consist of a purposive sample of dermatologists, photobiologists, and other experts actively involved in photoprotection research, clinical practice, or public health initiatives. Panelists should have experience advising patients or the public on sunscreen use, UV protection strategies, or photodermatoses. Panel Size and Rationale: Target enrollment: 20-35 experts Large enough to capture diverse perspectives while remaining feasible for iterative Delphi rounds. Minimum for analysis: 15 panelists to ensure adequate representativeness in case of attrition.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will consist of a purposive sample of experts in dermatology, photobiology, and related fields who are actively involved in photoprotection research, clinical practice, or public health initiatives. Panelists should have experience advising patients or populations on sun protection, sunscreen use, and UV-related skin care. Panel Size and Rationale: Target enrollment: 20-35 experts Sufficient to capture diverse perspectives while remaining manageable for multiple Delphi rounds. Minimum for analysis: 15 panelists, ensuring representativeness in case of attrition

You may qualify if:

• Board-certified dermatologists, photobiologists, or clinicians/researchers with ≥5 years of relevant experience.
• Regular involvement in advising on photoprotection, skin cancer prevention, or UV-related dermatology.
• Engagement in research, guideline development, teaching, or professional society activities related to dermatology, photobiology, or public health.
• Willingness and availability to participate in all Delphi rounds.

You may not qualify if:

• Non-dermatology or non-photobiology specialists without relevant experience.
• Less than 5 years of relevant clinical or research experience.
• Limited or no experience with photoprotection counseling or research.
• Significant undisclosed conflict of interest related to sunscreen or photoprotection products.
• Inability or unwillingness to participate in all Delphi rounds.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Venus Research Center: lead

Study Sites (1)

Venus Research Center

Cairo, Egypt

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 8, 2025
• First Posted: December 22, 2025
• Study Start: January 25, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 1, 2027
• Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

EG (1)