LAUSR

The BJD now has a dedicated section for qualitative and outcomes research, and has been a long-standing supporter of groups developing core outcome sets in dermatology. As such, it is no surprise to find the article by Horbach et al. in this issue’s BJD, which outlines the first important steps on the journey towards a fully defined core outcome set for vascular malformations (OVAMA project). This body of work has much to recommend it. The team has worked with some of the leading groups in the world to develop their methodology, including the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative (COMET; http://www.cometinitiative.org/) and the Cochrane Skin Group – Core Outcome Set Initiative (CSG-COUSIN; http://www.uniklinikum-dresde n.de/COUSIN), which provides guidance and methodological support for groups wishing to develop core outcome sets in dermatology. The team has used the COS-STAR reporting guidelines to ensure transparency and completeness of reporting, and has worked hard to ensure international engagement; with input from varied stakeholder groups including dermatology, radiology and plastic surgery, as well as patients. It is useful to reflect on some of the guiding principles when considering the development of a core outcome set for individual conditions.