A Core Outcome Set for Multimorbidity Research (COSmm)

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Gerontology
• Clinical Epidemiology

Background:

• Multimorbidity, the co-occurrence of multiple chronic conditions, presents complex challenges in healthcare.
• Standardized outcome measures are crucial for evaluating interventions in multimorbidity research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a consensus-based core outcome set specifically for studies involving patients with multimorbidity.
• To define essential outcomes for assessing the effectiveness of interventions for individuals with multiple health conditions.

Main Methods:

• A consensus study was conducted following the Core Outcome Set-STAndards for Reporting (COS-STAR) guidelines.
• A Delphi panel of 26 international experts completed a two-round web-based survey.
• Outcomes were selected based on expert agreement using a 5-point Likert scale.

Main Results:

• Consensus was reached on 17 core outcomes for multimorbidity studies (COSmm).
• Top-ranked outcomes included health-related quality of life, mental health, and mortality.
• Other outcomes covered patient-reported impacts, physical function, consultation processes, and health system aspects.

Conclusions:

• The study identified essential core outcomes for multimorbidity research, emphasizing quality of life, mental health, and mortality.
• Researchers are encouraged to consider the comprehensive set of outcomes based on study-specific aims and interventions.
• This core outcome set provides a standardized framework for future multimorbidity research.