Duffy, JMN, Bhattacharya, S, Bhattacharya, S et al. (95 more authors) (2020) Standardizing definitions and reporting guidelines for the infertility core outcome set: an international consensus development study. Fertility and Sterility, 115 (1). pp. 201-212. ISSN 0015-0282
Abstract
Study Question
Can consensus definitions for the core outcome set for infertility be identified in order to recommend a standardized approach to reporting?
Summary Answer
Consensus definitions for individual core outcomes, contextual statements, and a standardized reporting table have been developed.
What is Known Already
Different 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, Duration
Potential 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, Methods
Healthcare 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 Chance
Forty-four potential definitions were inventoried across four definition development initiatives, including the Harbin Consensus Conference Workshop Group and International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies, 12 clinical practice guidelines, and Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group guidelines. Twenty-seven participants, from 11 countries, contributed to the consensus development meeting. Consensus definitions were successfully developed for all core outcomes. Specific recommendations were made to improve reporting.
Limitations, Reasons for Caution
We used consensus development methods, which have inherent limitations. There was limited representation from low- and middle-income countries.
Wider Implications of the Findings
A minimum data set should assist researchers in populating protocols, case report forms, and other data collection tools. The generic reporting table should provide clear guidance to researchers and improve the reporting of their results within journal publications and conference presentations. Research funding bodies, the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials statement, and over 80 specialty journals have committed to implementing this core outcome set.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | ©2020 The Authors. The article has been co-published with permission in Human Reproduction and Fertility and Sterility. Published by Elsevier This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attributian-nonCommerciallicence (https://creativecom mons.orq/licenses/ bv-nc/4.0/) which permits noncommercial reproduction and distribution of the work, in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. For commercial re use, please contact permissions@elsevier.com. The articles are identical except for minor stylistic and spelling differences in keeping with each journal's style. |
Keywords: | Female infertility; infertility; male infertility; safety; outcomes |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > Department of Human Metabolism (Sheffield) The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > Department of Oncology (Sheffield) The University of Sheffield > Sheffield Teaching Hospitals |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 31 Oct 2022 10:46 |
Last Modified: | 31 Oct 2022 10:46 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier BV |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.11.013 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:192159 |