PREgnancy nutrition: a protocol for the development of a Core Outcome Set (PRENCOS)

Objective: To develop a Core Outcome Set (COS) for pregnancy nutrition research that is relevant to varied stakeholders and resource settings. Methods: This study has three distinct phases. The first phase involves generating a list of outcomes for consideration for the COS. This includes a systematic review of studies evaluating nutrition during pregnancy where all outcomes reported in relevant literature will be extracted. Qualitative interviews with currently or previously pregnant women will also be conducted. This step will supplement the findings of the systematic review by identifying additional outcomes of importance to this stakeholder group. In the second phase of the study, healthcare professionals, researchers, and mothers from various international resource settings will be invited to participate in a two-round modified Delphi survey. The aim of the survey is to gain consensus on which outcomes are most important to include in the COS. Finally, a face–face consensus meeting will be held with a select group of participants to finalize the COS. Conclusion: This COS will support standardization of outcome reporting in pregnancy nutrition research and ensure that selected outcomes are considered important by a variety of stakeholders. This will enhance the evidence behind nutrition interventions in pregnancy to improve outcomes for pregnant women.