is an outcome measure that combines several specified component outcomes into a single, unified domain. It indicates whether one, some, or all of these components occur in a patient. Composite outcome domains are often used in clinical research to capture a more complete picture of disease activity or treatment effects by integrating multiple related outcomes into one measure.
Abbreviation: COD
Synonyms: Composite endpoint
Example
In a rheumatology trial, remission might be defined as a Composite Outcome Domain requiring the simultaneous absence of several disease activity indicators — such as tender joints, swollen joints, and elevated inflammatory markers. Patients meeting all these criteria are considered in remission under the composite measure.