Core outcome measurement instruments for use in clinical and research settings for adults with post-COVID-19 condition: an international Delphi consensus study

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Sarah L. Gorst - , University of Liverpool (UOL) (Joint first author)
  • Nina Seylanova - (Joint first author)
  • Susanna R. Dodd - , University of Liverpool (UOL) (Author)
  • Nicola L. Harman - , University of Liverpool (UOL) (Author)
  • Margaret O'Hara - , Long Covid Support Charity (Author)
  • Caroline B. Terwee - , Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC) (Author)
  • Paula R. Williamson - , University of Liverpool (UOL) (Author)
  • Dale M. Needham - , Johns Hopkins University (Author)
  • Daniel Munblit - , Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, King's College London (KCL) (Author)
  • Timothy R. Nicholson - , King's College London (KCL) (Author)
  • Jochen Schmitt - , Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare (Author)
  • PC-COS study group - (Author)

Abstract

Post-COVID-19 condition (also known as long COVID) is a new, complex, and poorly understood disorder. A core outcome set (COS) for post-COVID-19 condition in adults has been developed and agreement is now required on the most appropriate measurement instruments for these core outcomes. We conducted an international consensus study involving multidisciplinary experts and people with lived experience of long COVID. The study comprised a literature review to identify measurement instruments for the core outcomes, a three-round online modified Delphi process, and an online consensus meeting to generate a core outcome measurement set (COMS). 594 individuals from 58 countries participated. The number of potential instruments for the 12 core outcomes was reduced from 319 to 19. Consensus was reached for inclusion of the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale for respiratory outcomes. Measures for two relevant outcomes from a previously published COS for acute COVID-19 were also included: time until death, for survival, and the Recovery Scale for COVID-19, for recovery. Instruments were suggested for consideration for the remaining nine core outcomes: fatigue or exhaustion, pain, post-exertion symptoms, work or occupational and study changes, and cardiovascular, nervous system, cognitive, mental health, and physical outcomes; however, consensus was not achieved for instruments for these outcomes. The recommended COMS and instruments for consideration provide a foundation for the evaluation of post-COVID-19 condition in adults, which should help to optimise clinical care and accelerate research worldwide. Further assessment of this COMS is warranted as new data emerge on existing and novel measurement instruments.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1101-1114
Number of pages14
JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine
Volume11
Issue number12
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 37926103

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Library keywords