Standardizing definitions and reporting guidelines for the infertility core outcome set: an international consensus...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Clinical Trial Methodology
• Health Outcomes Research

Background:

• Infertility research lacks standardized core outcome definitions, leading to selective outcome reporting.
• This variation compromises secondary research synthesis and clinical guideline development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish consensus definitions for core outcome sets in infertility research.
• To recommend a standardized approach for reporting infertility outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of definition initiatives and clinical guidelines.
• Consensus development meeting with healthcare professionals, researchers, and patients.
• Formal consensus development methods were employed.

Main Results:

• Consensus definitions were successfully developed for all core infertility outcomes.
• A standardized reporting table and specific recommendations for improving reporting were created.
• Twenty-seven international participants contributed to the consensus meeting.

Conclusions:

• The developed core outcome set and reporting guidelines will aid researchers in data collection and publication.
• Implementation by research bodies and journals is expected to enhance the quality and consistency of infertility research reporting.