The development of a fecal incontinence outcome set: an international Delphi study protocol

A mixed methodology will be used to develop a core outcome set for Fecal Incontinence (FI). We intend to involve three groups of main stakeholders for fecal incontinence: Doctors treating patients with FI (colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, general practitioners), researchers who have performed intervention studies regarding FI and FI patients.
A COS will be developed through numerous steps as per the COMET initiative: a systematic review, semi-structured qualitative patient interviews, clinician and patient reported outcomes will be categorised into domains, 2-3 delphi rounds will be held to facilitate convergence towards consensus and a possible face-to-face consensus meeting will take place in case consensus has not been reached.
A COS for fecal incontinence will be generated at the end of the process.

Contributors

Sadé Assmann

Supervisors:
S.O. Breukink (Maastricht University Medical Center)
D. Keszthelyi (Maastricht University Medical Center)

Further Study Information

Current Stage: Ongoing
Date: May 2020 - May 2021
Funding source(s): None


Health Area

Disease Category: Gastroenterology

Disease Name: Fecal Incontinence

Target Population

Age Range: 18 - 120

Sex: Either

Nature of Intervention: Any

Stakeholders Involved

- Clinical experts
- Consumers (patients)
- Researchers

Study Type

- COS for clinical trials or clinical research

Method(s)

- Consensus meeting
- Delphi process
- Interview
- Systematic review

A COS will be developed through numerous steps as per the COMET initiative: a systematic review, semi-structured qualitative patient interviews, clinician and patient reported outcomes will be categorised into domains, 2-3 delphi rounds will be held to facilitate convergence towards consensus and a possible face-to-face consensus meeting will take place in case consensus has not been reached.
A COS for fecal incontinence will be generated at the end of the process.