Initiating an OMERACT Working Group

We are pleased to present a resource that offers you comprehensive insights and tools to facilitate the establishment of an OMERACT Working Group. As you embark on this journey of research and collaboration within the OMERACT framework, we are committed to equipping you with the essential knowledge you need. Should you possess a strong passion for enhancing our understanding of a specific health condition, OMERACT provides an ideal platform to amplify your influence and contribute meaningfully.

OMERACT is a global, volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization committed to improving outcomes for patients with autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases through advancing the design and quality of clinical studies.

Through rigorous methodology and our global Working Groups, OMERACT supports the development of Core Outcome Sets (COS), identifying patient and disease-relevant areas to be measured (domains) and the corresponding measurement instruments for use in clinical trials, including those for regulatory approval of new treatments.

WHY START AN OMERACT WORKING GROUP?

Starting an OMERACT working group offers a practical, impactful way to contribute to health research, especially in rheumatology and musculoskeletal fields. Here are the main reasons to consider initiating one:

Addressing Research Gaps
OMERACT working groups tackle specific gaps in understanding health conditions where more evidence is needed.
Encouraging Collaboration
OMERACT emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, bringing together researchers, clinicians, patients, and industry experts. Leading a working group lets you engage with professionals from various fields, creating a well-rounded approach to research and outcomes.
Integrating Patient Perspectives
Patient involvement is a core principle of OMERACT. Starting a group enables you to include patient voices from the start, ensuring research questions and outcomes address what truly matters to those impacted by the condition.
Developing Core Outcome Sets (COS)
OMERACT is recognized for creating Core Outcome Sets that standardize how we measure the effects of health interventions. Leading a working group allows you to contribute directly to these sets, ensuring they reflect real, impactful changes.
Building International Connections
OMERACT is a global network that offers opportunities to work with and learn from experts worldwide. Starting a group can expand your professional network and open doors to collaboration across different regions.
Advancing Knowledge in the Field
OMERACT groups are part of advancing standards in health research. Your group’s work can provide evidence-based recommendations, leading to better practices and improved patient outcomes.

Starting an OMERACT working group is a focused way to impact research, collaborate widely, and make a difference in health outcomes.

STEPS TO INITIATING AN OMERACT WORKING GROUP

Starting an OMERACT working group involves defining a health research focus, forming a team, and creating a structured proposal aligned with OMERACT’s mission. Here’s how to get started:

Identify a Research Gap
Pinpoint a specific gap or challenge in outcome measurement within rheumatology or musculoskeletal diseases that the working group will address. To avoid duplicating efforts, check OMERACT’s website to confirm no current working group is focused on your topic.
Form a Core Team
Assemble a team of researchers, clinicians, and patient research partners committed to addressing the identified gap. This core group will drive the working group’s activities.
Submit the OMERACT Working Group Proposal Form
Draft a proposal detailing the group’s scope, objectives, methodologies, and members. Highlight the importance of the research gap, the need for standardized measures, and the potential impact. Complete the proposal form.
OMERACT Review
Once submitted, OMERACT will review your proposal to ensure alignment with their mission. They may provide feedback, and if approved, they will support you in developing a research plan.
Engage Collaborators
Invite patient research partners, researchers, clinicians, and industry representatives to join. Involving a diverse range of experts will strengthen the group’s research.

Following these steps will allow you to launch an OMERACT working group that will contribute to advancing outcome measurement in rheumatology and musculoskeletal research.

Initiating an OMERACT Working Group

For inquiries and further assistance, please contact: Shawna Grosskleg, OMERACT Secretariat admin@omeract.org