Protocol for developing, disseminating and implementing a core outcome set for endometriosis

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AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-08

This protocol outlines the development and implementation of a core outcome set for endometriosis through a modified Delphi method involving stakeholders to standardize outcome reporting in research.

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is a common gynaecological disease characterised by pain and subfertility. Randomised controlled trials evaluating treatments for endometriosis have reported many different outcomes and outcome measures. This variation restricts effective data synthesis limiting the usefulness of research to inform clinical practice. To address these methodological concerns, we aim to develop, disseminate and implement a core outcome set for endometriosis engaging with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, researchers and women with endometriosis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: An international steering group has been established, including healthcare professionals, researchers and patient representatives. Potential outcomes identified from a systematic review of the literature will be entered into a modified Delphi method. Key stakeholders will be invited to participate including healthcare professionals, researchers and women with endometriosis. Participants will be invited to score individual outcomes on a nine-point Likert scale anchored between 1 (not important) and 9 (critical). Repeated reflection and rescoring should promote whole and individual stakeholder group converge towards consensus, 'core', outcomes. High-quality outcome measures will be associated with core outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The implementation of a core outcome set for endometriosis within future clinical trials, systematic reviews and clinical guidelines will enhance the availability of comparable data to facilitate evidence-based patient care. This study was prospectively registered with Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative; number: 691.

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Outcome instruments

COS-Endo-2020

Condition tags

mesh:D004715endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Consensus Endometriosis Outcome Assessment, Health Care Research Design Delphi Technique Endometriosis Female Health Personnel Humans Patients Research Personnel Stakeholder Participation Translational Research, Biomedical

Citation neighborhood

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References (18)

Cited by (10)

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europepmc
last seen: 2026-06-04T01:30:01.192114+00:00
openalex
last seen: 2026-06-04T00:00:01.174412+00:00
pubmed
last seen: 2026-05-13T22:20:43.714878+00:00
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