About
The OMERACT Foundational Domains Task Force is a methodological working group within OMERACT focused on improving clarity and consistency in outcome measurement. This team develops consensus-based definitions for foundational domains that appear across multiple OMERACT Core Domain Sets — and identifies instruments to measure them.
These foundational domains include:
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Pain Intensity
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Pain Interference
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Fatigue
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Physical Function
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Health-Related Quality of Life
Why This Work Matters
Many OMERACT Working Groups face similar challenges when defining core domains and selecting instruments. Without shared definitions, the same concepts may be interpreted and measured differently across Core Outcome Sets, slowing progress and limiting comparability across studies. This task force helps solve that problem.
What We Do
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Define Domains: Develop detailed, consensus-based definitions through structured collaborator engagement, including patient research partners (PRPs), clinicians, and methodologists.
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Review Instruments: Conduct systematic literature reviews of available tools to evaluate domain match, feasibility, and measurement properties.
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Recommend Instruments: Identify and provisionally endorse instruments that meet the OMERACT Filter 2.3 standards.
Current Stage in the OMERACT Process
This cross-cutting group is finalizing instrument selection for foundational domains such as pain, fatigue, and physical function. Their work promotes alignment and consistency across all OMERACT Core Sets.
Latest Update
OMERACT 2025 Conference Highlights
Fellow Poster: Our OMERACT Fellow, Berçemhan Sulu, presented a poster summarizing the current state of our work, sparking excellent conversations about next steps and collaborations. 👉 View the poster here
Lightning Talk: In a rapid-fire session, our team shared an upcoming teaser of the Special Interest Group (SIG) session taking place during the conference. 👉 Watch the lightning talk here
Closing Plenary Talk: We were also featured in the Closing Plenary, where we highlighted the activities of the (SIG). 👉 Watch the presentation here
Meet the Team
Dorcas Beaton, Canada
Chair
Wils Nielson, Canada
Emerging Leader
Lara Maxwell, Canada
Methods Advisor