Development of a Core Outcome Set for studies evaluating the effects of anaesthesia on perioperative morbidity and mortality following hip fracture surgery.

BACKGROUND

Perioperative studies of patients following hip fracture have large heterogeneity within their reported outcomes. This study aimed to develop a core outcome set for use in perioperative studies comparing the types of anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery.

METHODS

The consensus process consisted of a systematic review of the literature, three rounds of a Delphi survey, two consensus webinars, and face-to-face patient meetings.

RESULTS

The Delphi participants represented nine stakeholder groups. The numbers of participants completing Rounds 1-3 were 242, 186, and 169, respectively. Seventeen outcomes that met the predefined consensus criteria were considered at two consensus meetings. A final set of 10 core outcomes was agreed: mortality, time from injury to surgery, acute coronary syndrome, hypotension, acute kidney injury, delirium, pneumonia, orthogeriatric input, being out of bed at day 1, and pain.

CONCLUSIONS

We generated a consensus-based set of core outcomes recommended for use in all perioperative trials evaluating the effects of anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery. An important next step is developing consensus-based consistency on how they should be measured.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/757.