scholarly journals Towards core outcome set (COS) development: a follow-up descriptive survey of outcomes in Cochrane reviews

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Wuytack ◽  
Valerie Smith ◽  
Mike Clarke ◽  
Paula Williamson ◽  
Elizabeth Gargon
2021 ◽  
Vol 103-B (9) ◽  
pp. 1464-1471
Author(s):  
Thomas Patrick Barker ◽  
Nick Steele ◽  
Girish Swamy ◽  
Andrew Cook ◽  
Am Rai ◽  
...  

Aims Cauda equina syndrome (CES) can be associated with chronic severe lower back pain and long-term autonomic dysfunction. This study assesses the recently defined core outcome set for CES in a cohort of patients using validated questionnaires. Methods Between January 2005 and December 2019, 82 patients underwent surgical decompression for acute CES secondary to massive lumbar disc prolapse at our hospital. After review of their records, patients were included if they presented with the clinical and radiological features of CES, then classified as CES incomplete (CESI) or with painless urinary retention (CESR) in accordance with guidelines published by the British Association of Spinal Surgeons. Patients provided written consent and completed a series of questionnaires. Results In total, 61 of 82 patients returned a completed survey. Their mean age at presentation was 43 years (20 to 77; SD 12.7), and the mean duration of follow-up 58.2 months (11 to 182; SD 45.3). Autonomic dysfunction was frequent: 33% of patients reported bladder dysfunction, and 10% required a urinary catheter. There was a 38% and 53% incidence of bowel and sexual dysfunction, respectively: 47% of patients reported genital numbness. A total of 67% reported significant back pain: 44% required further investigation and 10% further intervention for the management of lower back pain. Quality of life was lower than expected when corrected for age and sex. Half the patients reported moderate or worse depression, and 40% of patients of working age could no longer work due to problems attributable to CES. Urinary and faecal incontinence, catheter use, sexual dysfunction, and genital numbness were significantly more common in patients with CESR. Conclusion This study reports the long-term outcome of patients with CES and is the first to use validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess the CES Core Outcome Set. Persistent severe back pain and on-going autonomic dysfunction were frequently reported at a mean follow-up of five years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(9):1464–1471.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e036562
Author(s):  
Paula R Williamson ◽  
Ricardo de Ávila Oliveira ◽  
Mike Clarke ◽  
Sarah L Gorst ◽  
Karen Hughes ◽  
...  

ObjectivesA core outcome set (COS) is an agreed standardised minimum collection of outcomes that should be measured and reported in research in a specific area of health. Cochrane systematic reviews (‘reviews’) are rigorous reviews on health-related topics conducted under the auspices of Cochrane. This study examines the use of existing COS to inform the choice of outcomes in Cochrane systematic reviews (‘reviews’) and investigates the views of the coordinating editors of Cochrane Review Groups (CRGs) on this topic.MethodsA cohort of 100 recently published or updated Cochrane reviews were assessed for reference to a COS being used to inform the choice of outcomes for the review. Existing COS, published 2 or more years before the review publication, were then identified to assess how often a reviewer could have used a relevant COS if it was available. We asked 52 CRG coordinating editors about their involvement in COS development, how outcomes are selected for reviews in their CRG and their views of the advantages and challenges surrounding the standardisation of outcomes within their CRG.ResultsIn the cohort of reviews from 2019, 40% (40/100) of reviewers noted problems due to outcome inconsistency across the included studies. In 7% (7/100) of reviews, a COS was referenced in relation to the choice of outcomes for the review. Relevant existing COS could be considered for a review update in 35% of the others (33/93). Most editors who responded (31/36, 86%) thought that COS should definitely or possibly be used to inform the choice of outcomes in a review.ConclusionsSystematic reviewers are continuing to note outcome heterogeneity but are starting to use COS to inform their reviews. There is potential for greater uptake of COS in Cochrane reviews.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
C S Jones ◽  
E Kirkham ◽  
L Gourbault ◽  
F Hollowood ◽  
M Dada ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Robot-assisted cholecystectomy (RC) has seen increasing adoption into clinical practice despite a lack of evidence to demonstrate superiority over conventional methods. Consistency in outcome selection, definition and reporting between studies is required for effective evidence synthesis and to minimise research waste. The aim of this study was to conduct an in-depth analysis of the outcomes reported in studies of RC. This work will inform the need for a core outcome set (COS). Method Systematic searches identified all published studies reporting RC, from inception to February 2020. Outcomes reported in each manuscript were recorded verbatim and categorised into domains. All outcomes were coded in duplicate. Where reported, the follow up period of each study was documented. Results Of 1425 abstracts screened, ninety studies met the criteria for inclusion. A total of 878 outcomes were reported. Each study included a median of 8 outcomes (range 3-26). Outcome selection was heterogeneous, with those relating to technical/operative factors (n = 383, 88 studies), complications (n = 245, 81 studies) and health economics (n = 139, 72 studies) used most frequently. No single outcome, or outcome domain, was reported in all studies. Only 30 studies reported a follow-up period, which ranged from 14 days to 46 months. In thirteen, the follow-up was for less than or equal to one month. Conclusions We identified significant heterogeneity in the selection and reporting of outcomes in studies of RC and support calls for standardisation and development of a COS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Ramirez ◽  
C Jones ◽  
L Gourbault ◽  
W Hurst ◽  
A Abbas ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction There is an increasing adoption of robotic oesophagectomy in place of standard techniques for oesophageal cancer resection. This is potentially due to its perceived technical benefits and improved short-term outcomes. Consistency in outcome selection, definition and reporting between studies is required for effective evidence synthesis and prevention of research waste. The aim of this review is to perform an in-depth analysis of outcome reporting in robotic oesophagectomy. Method Systematic searches were conducted using key words for robotic surgery and oesophageal cancer, from inception to February 2020. Studies reporting any outcome for robotic oesophagectomy were included. Outcomes in each study were recorded verbatim and categorised into twelve domains. Outcomes were independently categorised by two reviewers. Where reported, the follow-up period was also recorded. Results Of 954 abstracts screened, 226 full texts were reviewed and 102 included. Only one study was a RCT. A total of 1422 outcomes were reported. Each study had a median of 14 reported outcomes (range 1-25). Outcomes related to complications (n = 578, 99 studies), technical/operative factors (n = 290, 90 studies), and pathology (e.g., resection margin) (n = 197, 83 studies) were reported most frequently. No single outcome, or outcome domain was reported in all studies. No studies used a core outcome set for reporting. Forty-five studies stated a follow-up period, ranging from <1 month to 58 months. Conclusions There is significant heterogeneity in the selection and reporting of outcomes in robotic oesophagectomy. This calls for the use of a core outcome set to allow standardisation and transparency of outcome reporting.


Diabetologia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (11) ◽  
pp. 2007-2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delia Bogdanet ◽  
Catriona Reddin ◽  
Esther Macken ◽  
Tomas P. Griffin ◽  
Narjes Fhelelboom ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-101
Author(s):  
D. Bouchard ◽  
L. Tracanelli ◽  
F. Pigot

Objectif : L’absence de standardisation des objectifs à atteindre par les traitements des fistules anopérinéales (FAP) de la maladie de Crohn limite les possibilités d’analyse et de comparaison des données issues des études disponibles. L’élaboration d’une liste standardisée d’objectifs à atteindre permettrait de résoudre ces problèmes. Cette étude valide la liste d’objectifs cruciaux (core outcome set [COS]) à atteindre pour le Crohn fistulisant. Méthode : Les objectifs susceptibles d’être retenus ont été définis par une revue de la littérature et des interviews de patients. La sélection consensuelle a été établie à l’issue d’un processus Delphi en trois étapes en évaluant sur une échelle de Likert en neuf points, l’importance que ces objectifs avaient pour définir la réussite d’un traitement. Des représentants de chacun des trois groupes impliqués dans ces traitements ont été recrutés à l’échelle nationale (chirurgiens et radiologistes, gastroentérologues et infirmières spécialisées en maladies inflammatoires intestinales, et enfin patients). Chaque intervenant a noté les différents objectifs possibles, puis a corrigé ses notes après avoir pris connaissance des autres notes données par les membres de son groupe (au deuxième tour) puis encore une fois après avoir pris connaissance des notations données par tous les participants (au troisième tour). Résultats : Au total, 295 objectifs potentiels ont été identifiés à partir d’une revue de la littérature et d’interviews, ils ont été catégorisés en 92 domaines. Cent quatre-vingt-sept participants (taux de réponse : 78,5 %) ont accordé la priorité à 49 objectifs à l’issue d’une méthode Delphi à trois cycles. Une réunion de consensus finale de 41 experts et patients s’est accordée sur un COS comprenant huit catégories d’objectifs. Ce COS comprenait trois catégories d’objectifs importants pour le patient (qualité de vie, incontinence et score combiné des priorités du patient) et cinq catégories d’objectifs retenus par les praticiens (activité de la maladie périanale, développement d’un nouvel abcès périanal, fistule nouvelle/récidivante, chirurgie non planifiée et dérivation fécale). Conclusion : Un COS sur les FAP de laMC a été élaboré par tous les acteurs clés de cette maladie. L’utilisation du COS diminuera l’hétérogénéité dans l’expression des résultats des traitements, ce qui rendra plus pertinente la comparaison des traitements entre eux, la synthèse des données et, en fin de compte, les soins rendus aux patients.


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