a broad aspect of health or a health condition that must be measured to properly assess the effects of a health intervention. Each Core Area consists of more specific outcome domains and plays a distinct role in capturing the full impact of an intervention. Collectively, the Core Areas represent the entire “universe” of concepts that could be measured to understand the effects of an intervention.

There are four universally recognized Core Areas that every Core Outcome Domain Set (CODS) — and ultimately every Core Outcome Set (COS) — should address:

1. Death/Lifespan
2. Life Impact
3. Pathophysiological Manifestations (Manifestations/Abnormalities)
4. Resource Use/Economic Impact (Societal/Resource Use)