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Development of a core outcome set for patients with epiretinal membranes: A Delphi consensus study

Lookup NU author(s): Professor David SteelORCiD

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Abstract

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2025. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group.Background/aims Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) can affect vision in complex ways, requiring assessment beyond visual acuity. We developed a core outcome set (COS) for patients undergoing surgery for macular pucker secondary to iERMs for use in both clinical practice and clinical trials. Methods An online modified Delphi technique was used, incorporating literature review, stakeholder workshops and two-round Delphi survey, each followed by a hybrid consensus meeting. Stakeholders, including health professionals and patients rated the importance of each outcome on a 9-point Likert scale (1-3, not important; 4-6, important; 7-9, very important). Outcomes scored as € very important' by ≥80% of stakeholders were included in the COS. Results Sixty-two outcomes were initially included. Only one outcome reached consensus after the first vote, a further 10 after the second vote and five in the final vote. After discussion and considering clinical relevance and patient importance, the initial list of 17 outcomes was reduced to 13 core outcomes, grouped into six overarching domains: measured visual function, symptoms, adverse events, functional ability, quality of life and other, including objective measurements of anatomical findings. Conclusion A minimum COS for iERMS comprising 13 outcomes covering six domains was generated by the modified Delphi process. The COS is not yet ready for use as the methods of assessment and the time points remain to be determined before it can be used in practice. Future research will test the implementation of the COS in clinical practice and its' potential incorporation into future trials.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Sandinha T, Mehta J, Doungsong K, Edwards RT, Steel DHW, Lane DA

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: British Journal of Ophthalmology

Year: 2025

Pages: epub ahead of print

Online publication date: 08/12/2025

Acceptance date: 01/11/2025

ISSN (print): 0007-1161

ISSN (electronic): 1468-2079

Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group

URL: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo-2025-327811

DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2025-327811


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