The COMET (Core Outcome Measures in EffectiCore Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) is an international initiative that brings together stakeholders interested in developing and applying agreed standardized sets of outcomes, called core outcome sets. These sets represent the minimum outcomes that should be measured and reported in all clinical trials for a specific condition. They are also suitable for use in clinical audits or other research beyond randomized trials.
The existence or use of a core outcome set does not limit researchers to only those outcomes; rather, it ensures that these core outcomes are consistently collected and reported. This makes it easier to compare, contrast, and combine trial results while allowing researchers to study additional outcomes of interest. COMET also collates and stimulates relevant resources, encourages methodological research, and facilitates the exchange of ideas and information.veness Trials; www.comet-inititative.org) initiative brings together people interested in the development and application of agreed standardised sets of outcomes, known as ‘core outcome sets’. These sets represent the minimum that should be measured and reported in all clinical trials of a specific condition, and are also suitable for use in clinical audit or research other than randomised trials. The existence or use of a core outcome set does not imply that outcomes in a particular trial should be restricted to those in the relevant core outcome set. Rather, there is an expectation that the core outcomes will be collected and reported, making it easier for the results of trials to be compared, contrasted and combined as appropriate; while researchers continue to explore other outcomes as well. COMET aims to collate and stimulate relevant resources, both applied and methodological, to facilitate exchange of ideas and information, and to foster methodological research in this area.
Abbreviation: COMET
Example
A research group planning a clinical trial for a new therapy in rheumatoid arthritis consults the COMET database to identify an existing core outcome set. They include these outcomes (e.g., pain, physical function, disease activity) in their trial to ensure consistency and comparability with other studies, while also adding exploratory outcomes of their own.