The challenge
The DLQI and CDLQI are widely used tools for assessing how skin conditions affect patients' quality of life. Historically, they relied on paper-based questionnaires completed during clinical appointments.
This created limitations. Paper forms were inefficient, difficult to track over time, and dependent on in-person consultations. With increasing pressure on NHS resources, frequent assessments were not always feasible. Patients had limited visibility of their own progress, and clinicians lacked streamlined access to longitudinal data.
Cardiff University needed a modern, scalable solution that preserved clinical integrity while improving accessibility, usability, and global reach.
Our approach
Working closely with the DLQI team, we designed and built a mobile-first digital application that allows patients to complete and review their assessments independently.
The adult DLQI and child-focused CDLQI were carefully digitised to ensure accuracy while improving usability. The children's experience incorporates engaging, age-appropriate design elements to encourage participation and understanding.
Patients can view historical results and track changes over time, enabling more meaningful conversations with healthcare professionals. Multilingual support ensures the application can be adopted across diverse international settings.
Built on a scalable architecture, the platform supports long-term growth and adaptation as research needs evolve.
Results and impact
The digital DLQI platform has streamlined how patients manage and report the impact of their skin conditions.
Patients are now able to monitor their progress more consistently, arriving at appointments better prepared and better informed. The transition from paper to digital has reduced administrative overhead and simplified data collection.
The child-friendly experience has encouraged younger patients to take an active role in their healthcare journey. Multilingual capabilities have enabled global accessibility, expanding the tool's reach beyond local clinical settings.
The result is a more patient-centred, efficient approach to dermatology assessment.
Looking ahead
The DLQI application has been designed to scale as healthcare delivery continues to evolve. Its flexible architecture supports expansion across regions, languages, and research programmes.
By digitising a globally recognised clinical tool, we have helped create a sustainable foundation for patient-led health tracking. Together with Cardiff University, we continue to explore enhancements that further improve accessibility and impact.