Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) Initiative

It is critical that the outcomes measured and reported in clinical trials are those that are relevant to decision makers, including patients, health professionals, regulators and policymakers.

If in all studies in a particular area of healthcare the same important outcomes were measured and reported, the research could all be combined to better inform decisions about healthcare, reducing waste and thereby saving money. This is being achieved through the development and use of core outcome sets (COS) - the minimum that should be measured and reported in all clinical trials of a specific condition. Since 2010, the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) Initiative has been instrumental in driving this innovation forward.

COMET aims to collate and stimulate relevant resources, both applied and methodological, to facilitate exchange of ideas and information, and to foster methodological research in this area. The COMET Handbook Version 1.0 is available here. Led from Liverpool, COMET maintains a public repository of both published and ongoing studies relevant to the development of COS (COMET database). We have also led the development of methodological guidance, minimum standards for development and COS protocols, as well as reporting guidelines.

As such, the University of Liverpool COMET team has a diversity of experience and skills related to COS development and uptake.