Directed by Matthew Ridd, GP and Professor of Primary Health Care at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, it comprises a multi-disciplinary group of 20 people with a focus on childhood eczema and food allergy.
Professor Ridd and CAESAR are supported by a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Professorship award to build capacity and accelerate progress in answering questions of importance to patients with skin and/or allergy problems.
The majority of people with skin and allergy conditions are looked after by their GP. However, there are many uncertainties about how best to look after even common problems. For example, the main treatments for eczema are moisturisers (emollients) and flare control creams (topical corticosteroids). These have been around for decades, yet we still don’t how to use them together optimally or indeed how to support carers and patients with eczema to look after their skin.
During its first five years, CAESAR will work on the Transforming Outcomes for Paediatric Allergy in Primary Care (TOPIC) programme. Underpinned by strong public, patient and stakeholder involvement, supporting equality, diversity and inclusion, it will address the following research questions:
- What are the most effective and safe ways to use emollients and topical corticosteroids to treat children with eczema in primary care?
- Does an eczema clinic in primary care improve disease control in children?
- What are the priorities for food allergy research in children?
- What awareness is there of early allergen introduction advice, is it being followed and is it preventing food allergy?
The NIHR Research Professorships scheme funds and supports research leaders of the future to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. It also aims to strengthen and benefit health, public health and care research leadership at the highest academic levels.
CAESAR sits within the Centre for Academic Primary Care, NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR), University of Bristol. It works closely with the Bristol Trials Centre and builds on existing studies (TIGER, ATHENA) and collaborations. The centre also hosts the Society for Academic Primary Care (SAPC) and NIHR SPCR Skin and Allergy specialist interest groups.
Dr Andrew Turner, Research Manager of CAESAR, said: “We’re thrilled to launch CAESAR and our ambitious plans to accelerate progress in answering common, practical questions in primary care. With a commitment to excellence, our Centre endeavours to make a lasting impact, driving positive change in our community and beyond.”
Professor Matthew Ridd, GP and Director of CAESAR, said: “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity to set up the Centre and lead much-needed research to address the needs of patients, carers and the NHS in this area.”
For more information, visit the CAESAR website.