In-depth qualitative interviews identified barriers and facilitators that influenced chief investigators' use of core outcome sets in randomised controlled trials

Objective: This study aimed to investigate barriers and facilitators to core outcome set (COS) uptake in randomized controlled trials to inform the first steps in developing interventions to improve the uptake of COS. Study Design and Setting: Semi-structured qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of United Kingdom chief investigators were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed thematically. Where appropriate, barriers and facilitators were mapped to components of behavior informed by the COM-B model of behavior. Results: Thirteen chief investigators were interviewed. Facilitators to uptake included: the behavior of investigators, for example, their awareness and understanding of COS; and the wider research system, for example, recommendations to use COS from funders and journals. Barriers to uptake included: the perceived characteristics of COS, for example, increasing patient burden and recommendations becoming outdated; and the COS development process, for example, not including all specialties who will use the COS. Conclusion: Based on the barriers and facilitators identified, recommendations to improve COS uptake include ensuring engagement with the research community who will use the COS, involving patients in the development of COS and ensuring COS remain up to date. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate barriers and facilitators to the uptake of core outcome sets (COS) in randomized controlled trials. Based on qualitative interviews with UK chief investigators, facilitators to uptake include investigator behavior and the wider research system, while barriers to uptake include perceived characteristics of COS and issues in the COS development process. Recommendations to improve COS uptake include engagement with the research community, involving patients in COS development, and ensuring COS remain up to date.