What is a Core Outcome Set (COS)?

A Core Outcome Set (COS) is a standardized list of outcomes that should be reported as a minimum in all effectiveness RCTs. It is developed using consensus methods to ensure that it includes what is important to patients as well as healthcare professionals and researchers.

Why develop a COS for adult epilepsy research?
1. Outcomes measured are relevant to patients and health services.

2.Trials methodology can be standardized so more meaningful results can be obtained from systematic review and meta-analysis. 

3. Reduction in research waste and duplication.

Who are the COMET initiative?

The COMET Initiative brings together people interested in the development and application of agreed standardised sets of outcomes, known as ‘core outcome sets’ (COS). These sets represent the minimum that should be measured and reported in all clinical trials of a specific condition, but COS are also suitable for use in routine care, clinical audit and research other than randomised trials. You can read the core outcome set/COMET plain language summary here. The existence or use of a core outcome set does not imply that outcomes in a particular study should be restricted to those in the relevant core outcome set. Rather, there is an expectation that the core outcomes will be collected and reported, making it easier for the results of studies to be compared, contrasted and combined as appropriate; while researchers continue to explore other outcomes as well. 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.