Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines and Creation of Referral Pathways for Dermatological Conditions in Pakistan

    July 2025 in “ The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia ”
    Alina Pervez, Junaini Shahrul Nizam, Meryum Ishrat Baig, Areesha Ahmer, Unzela Ghulam, Russell Seth Martins, Areej Khawaja, Nashia Ali Rizvi, Alina Abdul Rehman, Ali Mustafa, Bushra Ayub, Salima Saleem Aamdani, Syed Abbas Raza, Shayana Rukhsar, Sidra Tabassum, Tazein Amber, Syeda Fatima Shariq, Sarah Nadeem, Shaheen Naveed, Adil H. Haider, Sadia Masood
    Studysummary This Health Policy report outlines the creation of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and referral pathways for managing dermatological conditions in Pakistan's primary care setting, aiming to standardize care and improve patient outcomes. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    The Health Policy paper discusses the creation of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and referral pathways for dermatological conditions in Pakistan using the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT process. Dermatology experts reviewed 16 high-quality CPGs to adapt them for local use, resulting in guidelines for 10 common skin disorders, including acne vulgaris, psoriasis, and androgenic alopecia. The initiative aims to standardize care, improve patient outcomes, and streamline referrals, particularly in primary care settings where access to specialists is limited. The guidelines address gaps such as the safe use of steroids and are designed to be practical for the local environment, helping general practitioners make informed decisions and improve healthcare quality in Pakistan.
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