BMJ Open. 2026 Sep 28;16(9):e119104. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-119104.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Selecting appropriate outcomes is crucial for enhancing the comparability and relevance of clinical trials, yet uptake of core outcome sets (COS) remains low. This study aims to develop a framework to improve the quality and value of choosing outcomes in cardiovascular disease research (FAVOUR), so that the uptake of COS may be improved.
METHODS: The mixed-methods will be used to develop a framework: (1) a systematic review will be conducted to identify current rationales, values and preferences of different stakeholders of outcome selection in clinical trials; (2) semi-structured interviews with patients and healthcare professionals will be used to identify the evidence, values and preferences of different stakeholders in outcome selection and measurement; (3) two rounds of Delphi survey will be conducted to prioritise items for the framework; and (4) a consensus meeting will be carried out to finalise the framework.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the ethics committee of Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (Approval No.: 2025DZMEC-148-02). The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This research has been registered in the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trial database (https://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/3723).
PMID:42805669 | DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2026-119104