Trial suggestions are submitted by members via a vignette. Trials that have been identified as urgent research gaps in Cochrane systematic reviews are given priority. The UK DCTN operates a traffic light system for trials in development. If accepted, the idea is put through a predefined development process involving the Network Steering Group and specific study team members. All trial suggestions submitted to the Network will be at one of the three stages below:

Red = not suitable for development through the network, or a Chief Investigator has not been identified.   Amber = approved by the steering group and currently being developed   Green = ready for peer review and submission to funding bodies

Each trial is driven forward by a small Trial Development Team. This usually consists of clinicians, methodologists and members of a Clinical Trials Support Unit. Input from service users is encouraged from an early stage and often forms part of the preliminary pilot work. In addition, trial development is often facilitated by quick-response surveys of the UK DCTN membership to ensure that the studies reflect the clinical needs of the dermatology community.