Data collection and analysis: Descriptive statistics describe
characteristics and
results.
Main results: Thirty-two papers relating to 26 core outcome
sets were included (maternal: 18 papers: 17 COS; neonatal: 14 papers: 9
COS). Fifteen (58%) were published since 2017. No included COS met all
minimum standards for development. All COS met the minimum standard for
scope. Eighteen (69%) met all three minimum standards for stakeholder
involvement. No included COS met all five minimum standards for
consensus process. COS included between 6 and 56 outcomes. Two COS (8%)
provided recommendations for how and when to measure outcomes.
Conclusions: This is the first application of COS-STAD minimum
standards relevant to maternal and neonatal health. Findings offer a
baseline evaluation. There is an urgent need to address outcomes,
measurement and timing in core outcomes to support harmonisation between
core outcome sets.