PhotoprotectionNCT07296588
Expert Consensus on Photoprotection Practices: A Delphi Study
An observational study of Photoprotection and Sunscreen, run by Venus Research Center at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial 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). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Photoprotection, Sunscreen, Sunscreen Agents
- How many people
- 15 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 25 Jan 2026to 1 Sep 2027
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 25 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
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
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
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.
Read the detailed description
This study is a non-interventional, methodological Delphi consensus project designed to develop standardized recommendations for photoprotection practices. Photoprotection encompasses strategies to minimize ultraviolet (UV)-related skin damage, including sunscreen use, clothing, behavioral measures, and patient education. Despite broad awareness campaigns, inconsistencies exist regarding SPF selection, application methods, timing, reapplication frequency, and the use of additional protective measures.
A steering committee of dermatologists and photoprotection experts will conduct a literature review and draft initial statements addressing key domains:
Sunscreen use: SPF level, spectrum coverage (UVA/UVB), formulation (chemical vs. physical), water resistance.
Application guidelines: Amount, timing before sun exposure, reapplication frequency, body coverage.
Adjunctive measures: Protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, shade-seeking behavior.
Special populations: Children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, patients with photosensitive dermatoses.
Behavioral counseling: Education strategies, adherence promotion, and misconceptions.
Integration with skin care and aesthetic practices.
A panel of experts in dermatology, photobiology, and related fields will participate in multiple Delphi rounds. Panelists will rate agreement with each statement using a Likert scale. Anonymized feedback will be provided after each round, and statements not reaching a predefined consensus threshold (e.g., ≥70-80%) will be revised and re-evaluated in subsequent rounds.
The final output will consist of consensus-based recommendations reflecting practical, safe, and evidence-informed photoprotection practices. Areas of disagreement or uncertainty will also be highlighted, identifying research gaps and priorities for future studies.
- Conditions
- Photoprotection, Sunscreen, Sunscreen Agents, Sun Damaged Skin, Sun Exposure
- Keywords
- Photopretection, sunscreen, consensus, delphi method, Expert panel
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 6-12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Secondary Outcomes
Consensus on sunscreen use: SPF level, broad-spectrum coverage, formulation, and water resistance.
Consensus on application guidelines: amount, timing before sun exposure, reapplication frequency, body coverage.
Consensus on adjunctive measures: protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, shade-seeking behavior.
Consensus on special populations: children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, photosensitive patients.
Consensus on behavioral counseling and education strategies for adherence.
Identification of areas of uncertainty requiring further research or regional adaptation.
Measured: 6-12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Dec 2025
- Study start25 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Sep 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for PhotoprotectionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Venus Research Center
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07296588
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Photoprotection-VRC
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 8 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 22 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Delphi studies do not collect patient data, medical records, biological samples, or identifiable clinical information. Experts only give opinions, not "IPD." Their responses are anonymized, and sharing identifiable expert-level responses is not required and often discouraged
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 22 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Expert Consensus on Photoprotection Practices: A Delphi Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07296588
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Photoprotection-VRC
- Conditions
- Photoprotection, Sunscreen, Sunscreen Agents, Sun Damaged Skin, Sun Exposure
- Keywords
- Photopretection, sunscreen, consensus, delphi method, Expert panel
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Venus Research CenterUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Sep 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 22 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
This study is a non-interventional, methodological Delphi consensus project designed to develop standardized recommendations for photoprotection practices. Photoprotection encompasses strategies to minimize ultraviolet (UV)-related skin damage, including sunscreen use, clothing, behavioral measures, and patient education. Despite broad awareness campaigns, inconsistencies exist regarding SPF selection, application methods, timing, reapplication frequency, and the use of additional protective measures.
A steering committee of dermatologists and photoprotection experts will conduct a literature review and draft initial statements addressing key domains:
Sunscreen use: SPF level, spectrum coverage (UVA/UVB), formulation (chemical vs. physical), water resistance.
Application guidelines: Amount, timing before sun exposure, reapplication frequency, body coverage.
Adjunctive measures: Protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, shade-seeking behavior.
Special populations: Children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, patients with photosensitive dermatoses.
Behavioral counseling: Education strategies, adherence promotion, and misconceptions.
Integration with skin care and aesthetic practices.
A panel of experts in dermatology, photobiology, and related fields will participate in multiple Delphi rounds. Panelists will rate agreement with each statement using a Likert scale. Anonymized feedback will be provided after each round, and statements not reaching a predefined consensus threshold (e.g., ≥70-80%) will be revised and re-evaluated in subsequent rounds.
The final output will consist of consensus-based recommendations reflecting practical, safe, and evidence-informed photoprotection practices. Areas of disagreement or uncertainty will also be highlighted, identifying research gaps and priorities for future studies.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- 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
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Primary Outcome
Time frame: 6-12 weeks
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.
1 secondary outcome
Secondary Outcomes
Time frame: 6-12 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 22 Dec 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Delphi studies do not collect patient data, medical records, biological samples, or identifiable clinical information. Experts only give opinions, not "IPD." Their responses are anonymized, and sharing identifiable expert-level responses is not required and often discouraged
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Photoprotection and Sunscreen, run by Venus Research Center at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Primary Outcome (time frame: 6-12 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 Dec 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 27 Oct 2026.