Research Fellow (Health Outcomes) (107834-1023) at University of Warwick

We are looking for a highly motivated Research Fellow who will work on the COSTA2 study, to assist the project leader and, where appropriate, project collaborators, in the successful completion of the development of a core outcome set for fractures of the distal tibia and ankle (COSTA).

This is a full-time, fixed-term Contract 16-month contract; consideration will be given to less than full-time working or job share, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so.

Accurate assessment of important outcomes provides essential evidence by which the value and effectiveness of fracture care can be judged. However, outcome reporting guidance in this field is limited. Heterogeneity in reporting and limited consideration of important patient outcomes is described, limiting data synthesis, and impeding the developing evidence-base. Use of a common metric – or core outcome set (COS) – will support greater transparency and consistency in the comparison of fracture care across trials, healthcare settings and ultimately across conditions.

A core outcome set defines a small group of outcomes that should be measured across all effectiveness trials, in routine practice, and/or audit settings. Key stages in COS development include: 1) Defining what to measure (core domain set) – i.e., aspects of health that matter to key stakeholders; and 2) Determining how to measure (core measurement set) – i.e., identifying robust and acceptable outcome measurement instruments which align to the core domain set. A final core outcome set can then be recommended.

We have already completed the first stage in the development of a COS for fractures of the distal tibia and ankle (COSTA). The focus of this project, in which you will assist, will seek to finalise the COSTA guidance by:

• Reducing the Core Domain Set – collaborative engagement with key stakeholders to reduce the number of outcome domains to an acceptable number for a core outcome set.
• Developing a Core Measurement Set – a short-list of outcome measure instruments (OMIs) which align to the core domain set will be informed by systematic and scoping reviews of the quality and acceptability of potential measures.

Confirming COSTA – on-line consensus meeting with key stakeholders to confirm the COSTA.

This role may require a standard DBS check, further details will be provided.

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick’s jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the Apply button.