A core screening, assessment and outcome set is needed in cancer prehabilitation to standardise what is measured in both research and services. Currently, there is significant variation in measures used, which limits comparability between studies and evidence synthesis. Standardising measures will improve the quality, comparability and impact of research by reducing heterogeneity between studies, minimising reporting bias, improving trial efficiency, enabling data synthesis into large datasets, supporting international collaboration and data sharing, and accelerating the implementation of best practices.

An international Delphi consensus process will be conducted involving patients, healthcare professionals and researchers to identify screening, assessment and outcomes and their corresponding measurement instruments, to be included in a core set. The study consists of three phases: (1) A scoping review to identify screening, assessment and outcomes and associated measurement instruments currently used in cancer prehabilitation. (2) At least two rounds of a modified Delphi survey to prioritise the identified screening, assessment and outcomes using a 1–9 Likert scale. Consensus will be defined across stakeholder groups using prespecified thresholds. A consensus meeting will be held if agreement is not reached. (3) Measurement instruments corresponding to each retained screening, assessment and outcome will be assessed for quality for measurement properties and feasibility. Further Delphi rounds will be conducted to reach consensus on the most appropriate measurement instrument for each core screening, assessment and outcome.

The study has ethical approval (Ref: 25/NW/0159). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, stakeholder networks and made publicly available via the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials database.

To understand how public health practitioners (PHPs) are using parental guidance on talking to children in their work with parents. In 2021, evidence-based guidance was produced for parents of young children to facilitate these conversations, but it is unclear how this guidance is being promoted to parents or used by PHPs.

Qualitative study, consisting of in-depth, semistructured interviews.

Local authority, National Health Service or other healthy weight service providers in the UK.

Participants were PHPs working on children’s healthier lifestyles programmes in the UK as part of the UK’s National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). Invitations to participate were distributed via the Department of Health and Social Care and regional and national networks.

24 participants were interviewed. Practice varied between organisations with the guidance being used in NCMP letters to parents, in follow-up phone calls with parents and in training NCMP staff and other health or education professionals. Participants valued the evidence-based guidance and its compassionate tone, feeling it gave them and parents, confidence in addressing a sensitive topic. Some felt it was too lengthy for parents with learning disabilities or low literacy levels. Others identified a need for similar guidance for older children. Though helpful, participants acknowledged the guidance was only one small part of a necessary systems-wide approach to promoting healthy weight.

The guidance is a useful tool but needs systematic promotion to increase use and effectiveness. Further work is warranted to develop adapted versions for other populations.