Developing a core outcome set for intervention studies in post stroke cognitive impairment (COS-PSCI): a protocol

Introduction Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) negatively impacts peoples' quality of life and functional independence. Its complexity poses challenges for both clinical management and intervention research.

Despite global guidelines recommending cognitive assessment for all stroke survivors, there is no consensus on what, when or how to measure PSCI. Intervention studies use varied outcome measures, limiting comparability and clinical translation.

Developing a core outcome set (COS) for PSCI could address these challenges by standardising outcome measurement, enhancing comparability across studies and facilitating the translation of research into clinical practice. This study aims to develop a COS for intervention research in PSCI.

Methods and analysis This study will follow the Core Outcome Set-STAndards for Development (COS-STAD) framework and will be conducted in six stages. First, a scoping review of intervention studies will identify commonly measured outcomes.

Second, a rapid qualitative evidence synthesis will explore outcomes valued by stakeholders in the published literature. Third, qualitative focus groups with stroke survivors, support persons, and healthcare professionals will further identify outcomes of importance.