Using a modified Delphi method to identify research priorities in an Australian regional health service

ABSTRACT

Background Health service providers need to set their own research priorities to ensure investment of limited resources into projects relevant to their setting. Rural health services may face additional challenges in identifying research priorities if they comprise a research-naeïve workforce. This study examines the methods employed by one health service to identify research priorities across a multidisciplinary health service in regional Australia. Method A modified 3-round Delphi method was employed, with panellists from clinical divisions, management, and consumer groups. Modifications included delivery via etechnology; inclusion of a reference group; a large panel who were selected without prior consultation; provision for non-sequential engagement in rounds by panellists; and group level feedback between rounds. Results In total 270 panellists were enlisted from across the health service, representing all levels of management, clinicians with and without research experience, and consumers. Valid research priorities for the whole of service were successfully identified using the modified Delphi method. Conclusion This study demonstrates how a regional health service with minimal research experience, was able to utilise a modified Delphi methodology to facilitate research priority setting across a widespread and multidisciplinary health service. Modifications to the Delphi methodology and their utility within the research setting are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Rural health service
• research priority setting
• modified Delphi
• Australia

Acknowledgements

All co-authors contributed equally to the conceptualisation, data curation, formal analysis, methodology and project administration. DR was the principal writer of the original draft. All co-authors reviewed and edited the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Donna Rouse

Donna Rouse, BSc., MPSR, is a Senior Research Support Officer a Darling Downs Health, a regional health service in Queensland, Australia. Her role is to support research capacity building of health staff in the service.

Daniel McDonald

Daniel McDonald has worked as librarian for Darling Downs Health since 2006. He is editor of the “Journal of Health Information and Libraries Australasia” and host of the podcast “Shoosh”. In 2022 Daniel was named “Queensland Library Achiever of the Year”.

Anna Tynan

Anna Tynan works as a Research Fellow within the Darling Downs Health service. She is also an Honorary Senior Lecturer with Southern Queensland Rural Health at The University of Queensland and an Adjunct Research Fellow with the Centre for Health Research at the University of Southern Queensland.