Core Outcome Set for pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is fundamental however, response to this intervention varies among patients with COPD. One of the main reasons for this differential response is the heterogeneity of outcomes used and reported, hindering bench-marking between and within PR centres, the conduction of meta-analysis and the scientific/clinical advance of a vital treatment to respiratory patients. This problem can be overcome with the development of a Core Outcome Set (COS) - minimum set of outcomes that should be consistently measured and reported. Thus, this thesis aims to develop a COS for PR in patients with COPD. It will be developed in stages, according to the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative methodology: i) identify existing knowledge systematic review of the literature, ii) fill gaps in knowledge if needed observational studies of effects of PR in overlooked outcomes, iii) elicit views about important outcomes in a consensus process qualitative study with interviews and Delphi survey, iv) hold a face to face meeting to finalise the recommended COS. Finally, a review of the clinimetric properties of the most used measures for the core outcomes will be conducted, to recommend not only the core outcomes, but also the core measures. This COS is expected to facilitate consistency among trials, lessen the risk of outcome reporting bias and inform clinical and research practice.