Core outcome set for intervention research on snakebite envenomation in South Asia

• Published in: Injury prevention
• Main Authors: Bhaumik, Soumyadeep, Beri, Deepti, Santra, Vishal, Gopalakrishnan, Maya, Faiz, Mohammad Abul, Williamson, Paula R, Clarke, Mike, Sharma, Sanjib Kumar, Jagnoor, Jagnoor
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 11.09.2024
• Subjects: Animal bites; Clinical Care; Original research; Randomized Trial; Animal bites; Randomized Trial; Clinical Care
• ISSN: 1353-8047; 1475-5785
• DOI: 10.1136/ip-2023-045155

BackgroundThe 2019 WHO strategy to reduce snakebite burden emphasises the need for fostering research on snakebite treatments. A core outcome set (COS) is a consensus minimal list of outcomes that should be measured in research on a particular condition. We aimed to develop a COS for snakebite research in South Asia, the region with the highest burden.MethodsWe used data from a systematic review of outcomes to develop a long list of outcomes which were rated in two rounds of online Delphi survey with healthcare providers, patients and the public, and potential COS users to develop a COS for intervention research on snakebite treatments in South Asia for five intervention groups. Subsequently, meetings, consultations and workshops were organised to reach further consensus. We defined the consensus criteria a priori.ResultsOverall, 72 and 61 people, including patients and the public, participated in round I and round II of the Delphi, respectively. Consensus COSs (including definition and time points) were developed for interventions that prevent adverse reaction to snake antivenom (three outcomes), specifically manage neurotoxic manifestations (five outcomes), specifically manage haematological manifestations (five outcomes) and those that act against snake venom (seven) outcomes. A priori criteria for inclusion in COS were not met for COS on interventions for management of the bitten part.ConclusionThe COS contributes to improving research efficiency by standardising outcome measurement in South Asia. It also provides methodological insights for future development of COS, beyond snakebite.