Background:
As the population of older adults rapidly expands, the number of emergency department (ED) visits by this population also increases. ED visits are associated with adverse outcomes for older adults and an ED visit presents an opportunity to deliver interventions or enact care pathways. Thus ED based or ED initiated intervention research is proliferating. However, there is a lack of agreement on ‘what to measure’ in studies with this population in the ED. This outcome heterogeneity has implications for reviewing research evidence and for generating policy implications. The development of a core outcome set (COS) is an established methodology to address issues with outcome heterogeneity in research.
Aim:
This study aims to develop a COS for research studies with older adults in the Emergency Department. Methods: Development of the COS will adhere to guidelines from the COMET (Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials) initiative. Furthermore, all stages will involve older adults as co-researchers.
We propose the following series of studies to develop a COS:
A scoping review of trial registries to identify commonly reported outcomes and associated instruments.
A rapid qualitative evidence synthesis on outcomes of importance to older adults attending the Emergency Department.
Participatory research methods will be employed to identify outcomes of relevance to older adults and their families/ caregivers, Health Care Providers and research stakeholders.
An e-Delphi study and consensus meeting with key stakeholders to reach consensus on inclusion of items in the COS.
A literature review and group consensus meting to identify recommended outcome measure instruments. Impact:
A COS for research with older adults in the Emergency Department has the potential to enhance the conduct and reporting of future clinical trials, systematic reviews and clinical guidelines by enhancing the availability of comparable data and by ensuring outcomes that matter to all stakeholders are represented.
