The Future of Disability Research in Australia: Protocol for a Multiphase Research Agenda-Setting Study

Area of Science:

• Disability Studies
• Health Services Research
• Social Policy Research

Background:

• Effective health and social care research must align with the needs and priorities of people with disabilities.
• Informed research funding decisions require input from diverse stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities, their support networks, researchers, service providers, and policymakers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the research design and methods for a comprehensive disability research agenda-setting initiative in Australia.
• To establish priorities for future disability research funding based on stakeholder input and existing research landscape.

Main Methods:

• A three-phase approach was employed, starting with an updated audit of existing disability research in Australia.
• The second phase involved extensive stakeholder engagement through national surveys, government and non-government consultations, and targeted consultations with specific disability groups.
• The third phase utilized a web-based survey to consolidate findings and develop a prioritized research agenda.

Main Results:

• The research mapping identified 1241 research papers and 225 research reports from 2018-2020.
• Data collection for the national survey is complete, with 973 responses received and analysis currently underway.
• Preliminary findings indicate a significant effort to understand the current research landscape and gather broad community input.

Conclusions:

• This study represents the first comprehensive effort to identify Australian disability community priorities for health and social research funding.
• Findings will guide future research funding decisions, ensuring alignment with the needs of people with disabilities.
• Results will be disseminated through reports, open-access publications, and Easy Read documents for broad accessibility.