Reshaping the future of global clinical trials practice

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a new international guideline to help standardise how results from clinical trial studies are reported. Use of the COS-STAR guideline, which is published in PLOS Medicine , could increase the efficiency and value of clinical research across the globe. Understanding needs Every year, hundreds of thousands of members of the public are recruited into tens of thousands of clinical trials in health and social care, and thousands of researchers prepare systematic reviews to bring together the findings of existing trials. Much of this effort can be wasted if the outcomes measured and reported are not those necessarily needed by health service users, practitioners, policy makers and others making choices between different interventions, actions and strategies. To address these issues, a standardised set of outcomes, known as a 'core outcome set? (COS) can be used. These sets should represent the minimum that should be measured and reported in all clinical trials, audits of practice or other forms of research for a specific condition. Lack of guidance The credibility of a COS depends on both the use of sound methodology in its development and clear and transparent reporting of the processes adopted.