The use and value of core outcome sets for economic evaluations in health research

If research studies assessing treatments for the same condition measure different outcomes, it is difficult to compare results. Core outcome sets (COS) are an agreed minimum set of outcomes that should be used in clinical trials to increase standardisation of outcomes, aid comparison of findings across trials and facilitate meta-analyses. COS establish the outcomes to measure and the specific measures to use for a condition. Increasingly COS are developed for routine care, and could start playing a role in disease registries. COS are developed based on literature reviews; and consultations and consensus processes with relevant stakeholders. 

Cost-effectiveness is an important consideration in evaluating interventions, both in trials and in routine care. There are multiple challenges associated with COS. There seems to be a lack of consideration for health economic outcomes or involvement of health economic stakeholders in the consultation and consensus processes. Other challenges with COS include multiple COS are developed for the same condition, no appropriate measures exist, and COS are not taken up widely enough.  

research experience, research methods and skills training

The project will use multiple methods, including

1. systematic review to assess the extent to which health economics has been considered in the development of COS
2. surveys and qualitative interviews with relevant stakeholders to understand the use and limitations of COS (with a focus on health economic limitations).

There will be flexibility in selecting a specific disease area and in determining the focus (clinical trials, routine care and/or disease registries). It will involve Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) advice and engage with a range of relevant professional (e.g. health economists, clinical trialists, clinicians) and lay stakeholders (e.g. people with the disease and their carers). The project will make recommendations on how to make COS more widely useable. 

There will be opportunities to learn about outcome measurement, health economics, quality of healthcare, and systematic reviewing and mixed methods research. The research will be published in peer reviewed journals and presented at conferences.