Preferred reporting items for studies mapping onto preference-based outcome measures: the MAPS statement.

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Outcome Measurement

Background:

• Mapping onto preference-based outcome measures is crucial for health economic evaluations.
• Existing technical guides for mapping research lack specific reporting guidance.
• This gap necessitates standardized reporting for transparency and completeness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and introduce the MApping onto Preference-based measures reporting Standards (MAPS) statement.
• To promote complete and transparent reporting of mapping studies.
• To provide clear guidance for researchers conducting and reporting mapping studies.

Main Methods:

• A de novo list of reporting items was created by a working group of health economists and a Delphi methodologist.
• A modified Delphi survey involving diverse stakeholders identified essential reporting items.
• The process ensured comprehensive input from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies.

Main Results:

• A checklist of 23 essential reporting items, termed the MAPS statement, was developed.
• These items are organized into six sections: title/abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and other.
• The MAPS statement is intended for use with its accompanying explanation and elaboration document.

Conclusions:

• The MAPS statement is expected to enhance the clarity, transparency, and completeness of mapping study reports.
• Co-publication across multiple journals aims to facilitate widespread dissemination and adoption.
• Endorsement from the wider research community is encouraged, with a planned review in five years.