A core outcome set for future endometriosis research: an international consensus development study

BJOG. 2020 Jul;127(8):967-974. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.16157. Epub 2020 Mar 30.

Abstract

Objective: To develop a core outcome set for endometriosis.

Design: Consensus development study.

Setting: International.

Population: One hundred and sixteen healthcare professionals, 31 researchers and 206 patient representatives.

Methods: Modified Delphi method and modified nominal group technique.

Results: The final core outcome set includes three core outcomes for trials evaluating potential treatments for pain and other symptoms associated with endometriosis: overall pain; improvement in the most troublesome symptom; and quality of life. In addition, eight core outcomes for trials evaluating potential treatments for infertility associated with endometriosis were identified: viable intrauterine pregnancy confirmed by ultrasound; pregnancy loss, including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth and termination of pregnancy; live birth; time to pregnancy leading to live birth; gestational age at delivery; birthweight; neonatal mortality; and major congenital abnormalities. Two core outcomes applicable to all trials were also identified: adverse events and patient satisfaction with treatment.

Conclusions: Using robust consensus science methods, healthcare professionals, researchers and women with endometriosis have developed a core outcome set to standardise outcome selection, collection and reporting across future randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews evaluating potential treatments for endometriosis. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: @coreoutcomes for future #endometriosis research have been developed @jamesmnduffy.

Keywords: Consensus development study; core outcome set; endometriosis; modified Delphi method; modified nominal group technique.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research*
  • Consensus
  • Delphi Technique
  • Endometriosis*
  • Endpoint Determination
  • Female
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Research Design
  • Research Personnel