About
In 2012, ‘contextual factors’ was introduced for the first time in the OMERACT process, but identifying, understanding and approaching contextual factors proved difficult. The Contextual Factors Working Group (CFWG) was formed to provide guidance on how to address these challenges. An essential part of the research plan includes developing an operational definition and guidance on how to address contextual factors in rheumatology trials, when developing core outcome measurement sets.
What are Contextual Factors?
About the OMERACT Contextual Factors Working Group
Current Stage in the OMERACT Process
The group is finalizing practical guidance on how external and environmental factors influence outcomes in rheumatology trials. Their materials will help all OMERACT groups incorporate these important considerations.
Recent Publications
- Weinbrecht-Mischkewitz, Max, et al. “Generating a List of Potentially Important Contextual Factors Covering Randomized Trials, Cohorts, and Measurement Property Studies: An OMERACT Initiative.” Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, vol. 65, 152370, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152370.
- Nielsen, Sabrina M., et al. “Identifying Provisional Generic Contextual Factor Domains for Clinical Trials in Rheumatology: Results from an OMERACT Initiative.” Journal of Rheumatology, vol. 46, no. 9, 2019, pp. 1159–63, https://doi.org/10.3899/jrheum.181081.
- Finger, Monika E., et al. “An OMERACT Initiative Toward Consensus to Identify and Characterize Candidate Contextual Factors: Report from the Contextual Factors Working Group.” Journal of Rheumatology, vol. 44, no. 11, 2017, pp. 1734–39, https://doi.org/10.3899/jrheum.161200.