Standardizing definitions and reporting guidelines for the infertility core outcome set: an international consensus development study †‡

AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONCan consensus definitions for the core outcome set for infertility be identified in order to recommend a standardized approach to reporting?SUMMARY ANSWERConsensus definitions for individual core outcomes, contextual statements and a standardized reporting table have been developed.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYDifferent definitions exist for individual core outcomes for infertility. This variation increases the opportunities for researchers to engage with selective outcome reporting, which undermines secondary research and compromises clinical practice guideline development.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONPotential definitions were identified by a systematic review of definition development initiatives and clinical practice guidelines and by reviewing Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group guidelines. These definitions were discussed in a face-to-face consensus development meeting, which agreed consensus definitions. A standardized approach to reporting was also developed as part of the process.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSHealthcare professionals, researchers and people with fertility problems were brought together in an open and transparent process using formal consensus development methods.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEForty-four potential definitions were inventoried across four definition development initiatives, including the Harbin Consensus Conference Workshop Group and International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologi...
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research