Prioritizing comparative-effectiveness research topics via stakeholder involvement: an application in COPD.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Comparative Effectiveness Research

Background:

• Comparative-effectiveness research (CER) is a priority for funding agencies and researchers.
• Ensuring the relevance and implementability of CER findings is crucial for practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a process for involving experts and stakeholders in identifying and prioritizing CER studies.
• To illustrate this process using an example from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic process was developed to engage experts and stakeholders.
• This process focused on the identification and prioritization of CER research questions.
• The application of this process was demonstrated within the context of COPD.

Main Results:

• The described process facilitates the selection of high-priority CER topics.
• Stakeholder and expert involvement enhances the relevance of research questions.
• The methodology proved effective in the context of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conclusions:

• A structured approach involving experts and stakeholders is effective for prioritizing CER studies.
• This method ensures that research addresses critical needs and is feasible for implementation.
• The findings are applicable to improving the impact of CER, particularly in areas like COPD.