Spl23 Development and Validation of a Core Outcome Set for Work and Other Plans to Improve Evidence Synthesis in the Field of Occupational Health

Abstract The past decades, intervention research investigating the evidence for occupational health interventions, has seen a dramatic increase in trial publications. Although the number of intervention studies and systematic reviews on topics like the prevention of sick leave and return to work is growing, advancements in the measurement of work-related outcomes in these intervention studies are lagging behind. Authors of systematic reviews and Cochrane systematic reviews therefore consistently recommend improvements in the definition of work-related outcomes and their standardized use. Recognizing the need for international consensus on the measurement of work outcomes in intervention research, an international consortium of researchers, supported by Cochrane Work and Cochrane Insurance Medicine (united in the Cochrane Work & Health & Social Security Thematic Group: https://www.cochrane.org/about-us/our-global-community/thematic-groups/work-health-and-social-security) has launched several studies as part of the ‘Core Outcome Set-For-Work’ research program (www.cosforwork.org) which is now entering its second phase. The presentation will highlight several studies leading up to the development of a Core Outcome Set for Work, including practical examples that show some of the challenges for stakeholders to agree on something as vital as work outcomes. The presentation will also include the Core Outcome Set itself. Although we have defined ‘which’ outcomes COS for Work should measure, such as return to work, more research is planned to investigate ‘how’ these COS outcomes can be measured in the form of self-report and in registries. In addition, plans for further studies on COS for Work, including its implementation, are planned and will form part of the presentation. Looking at evidence synthesis within occupational health and safety, there is not only a need for more international consensus and harmonisation of work outcomes, but also a need adopt, refine or develop current classifications for interventions and (worker) populations in occupational health. Thoughts on how to proceed are likewise presented, including a recent initiative to collaborate on the topic of evidence synthesis in occupational health (www.evidenceforwork.org).