My research project is developing a clinically relevant core outcome set concerning prenatal care to standardize outcome selection across future studies. We are specifically looking into the frequency of prenatal visits and the method of delivery of prenatal care. To achieve a core outcome set, we will use eDelphi survey methods to determine key stakeholders’ perspectives of critical core outcomes for prenatal care. These stakeholders can be policymakers, academic OB/GYNs, researchers, public members, etc. Stakeholders’ ratings will inform a final core outcome set that will be finalized in a virtual consensus meeting. My role is developing the rating grids, facilitating communication with stakeholders, and summarizing the data.
The core outcome set is necessary to compare the new prenatal method (Plan for Appropriate Tailored Healthcare in pregnancy) to the traditional delivery of prenatal care. The core outcome set will evaluate evidence for the best frequency and method of delivery as well as other innovative models of care. The potential impact of this research is a more individualized and flexible approach to prenatal care that matches recommended services to patients’ medical need.
Research ethics could play a role in this project. As I am creating the rating grids, I ensure every participant’s response is anonymous to protect privacy so that respondents can reveal information that cannot be identified to them.