A core outcome set for future research in ectopic pregnancy: an international consensus development study

Objective: To address methodological deficiencies in published randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, this study has developed a core outcome set to guide future research in ectopic pregnancy (EP).Design: To identify potential outcomes, we performed a comprehensive literature review and interviews with individuals with lived experience in EP. Potential core outcomes were then entered into a 3-round Delphi survey. A total of 154 participants from 6 continents, comprising health care professionals, researchers, and individuals with lived experience in EP, completed all 3 rounds of the Delphi survey. Outcomes were prioritized at 3 consensus development meetings, and recommendations were developed on how to report these outcomes where possible.Setting: Not applicable.Patient(s): Health care professionals, researchers, and individuals with lived experience in EP.Intervention(s): Not applicable.Main Outcome Measure(s): Consensus for inclusion in core outcome set.Result(s): Six outcomes reached full consensus, including treatment success, resolution time, the number of additional interventions, adverse events, mortality and severe morbidity, and treatment satisfaction.Conclusion(s): The core outcome set with 6 outcomes for EP will help standardize reporting of clinical trials, facilitate implementation of findings into clinical practice, and enhance patient-centered care. (Fertil Sterile 2023;119:804-12. (c) 2023 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.) El resumen esta disponible en Espanol al final del articulo.

Automated summary

This study developed a core outcome set for ectopic pregnancy (EP) to address methodological deficiencies in published randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. The core outcome set consists of 6 outcomes, including treatment success, resolution time, the number of additional interventions, adverse events, mortality and severe morbidity, and treatment satisfaction.