Development of a gastroschisis core outcome set

Abstract

ObjectiveOutcome reporting heterogeneity impedes identification of gold-standard treatmentsfor children born with gastroschisis. Use of core outcome sets (COS) in research reducesoutcome reporting heterogeneity and ensures that studies are relevant to patients. Theaim of this study was to develop a gastroschisis COS.Design and SettingSystematic reviews and stakeholder nomination were used to identify candidateoutcomes that were subsequently prioritised by key stakeholders in a three-phaseonline Delphi process and face-face consensus meeting using a nine-point Likert scale.In phases two and three of the Delphi process, participants were shown graphical andnumerical representations of their own, and all panels scores for each outcomerespectively and asked to review their previous score in light of this information.Outcomes were carried forward to the consensus meeting if prioritised by two or threestakeholder panels in the third phase of the Delphi process. The COS was formed fromoutcomes with consensus meeting scores ≥70% 7–9 and <15% 1-3.Results71 participants (84%) completed all phases of the Delphi process, during which, 87outcomes were assessed. Eight outcomes, mortality, sepsis, growth, number ofoperations, severe gastrointestinal complication, time on parenteral nutrition, liverdisease and quality of life for the child met criteria for inclusion in the COS.ConclusionsEight outcomes have been included in the gastroschisis COS as a result of theirimportance to key stakeholders. Implementing use of the COS will increase the potentialfor identification of gold standard treatments for the management of children born withgastroschisis.

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ORCID for Nigel Hall: orcid.org/0000-0001-8570-9374

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