Development of a Core Outcomes Set for Peripheral Nerve Injury

Purpose: The contemporary literature evaluating outcomes after peripheral nerve injury (PNI) does not rigorously and adequately address the domains (motor, sensory, function, and pain) experienced by patients. Our goal was to develop a core outcomes set (COS) to evaluate outcomes after PNI. Methods: We adhered to recommended guidelines for COS development. Following a systematic review of the literature, we assembled a panel of experts and used a modified Delphi to assess the appropriateness of candidate measures to evaluate recovery after PNI. We convened 20 experts in PNI using two initial electronic surveys, one in-person meeting, and a final electronic survey. We arrived at consensus (≥70% of panelists) for required and recommended measures to evaluate outcomes after PNI. Results: Our panel arrived at consensus for motor, sensory, function, and pain outcomes in patients after upper and lower extremity nerve injury. We designated the measures to use and the timing and administration of these measures. Conclusions: We developed a COS that can be used by clinicians and researchers who evaluate patients with PNI. Our goal is to implement the COS in a unified manner, facilitating comparison in the literature as well as collaboration among centers. Type of study/level of evidence: Diagnostic V.