Protocol for the development of Pituitary Surgery Core Outcomes and Priorities (PitCOP)

ObjectivesWe aim to (i) identify the most important research priorities in pituitary surgery through a priority setting partnership (PSP) and (ii) develop a core outcome set (COS) for pituitary surgery research. DesignInternational modified Delphi consensus processes. SubjectsParticipants are key stakeholders in pituitary surgery, including: healthcare professionals (HCPs) (nurse specialists, neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, radiologists, pathologists, and oncologists); service users (patients, family members and carers); and charity representatives. MethodsIn PSP round one, participants are asked what questions relating to diagnosis, treatment, long-term care and follow-up they would like answered by future research. Responses will be grouped thematically, and a systematic literature review will identify which research priorities remain unanswered. In round two, participants will rank their top 10 unanswered research priorities. In COS round one, participants are presented with an initial list of outcomes identified from relevant literature,1,2 and asked to (i) rate outcomes based on perceived importance for inclusion in a core outcome set, and (ii) suggest additional outcomes. In round two, participants will re-score each outcome, while considering the summarised group scores from round one. The final round of PSP and COS will be held as a live consensus workshop (with equal representation of stakeholder groups) to determine the top 10 research priorities and the final core outcome set. ResultsThe study is currently underway, and aims to be complete by August 2024. ConclusionsThe PitCOP study will establish patient-centred research priorities and a core outcome set for pituitary surgery research. This will help to improve the relevance, efficiency, and quality of future pituitary surgery research.