Priorities for rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease research in Ireland

Research priority setting is a useful approach to decide which unanswered questions are most worth trying to solve through research. The aim is to reduce bias in the research agenda. Traditionally, research was decided by funders, policymakers, and academics with limited influence from other stakeholders like people living with health conditions, caregivers, or the community. This can lead to research gaps that fail to address these important stakeholder needs. The objective of this study is to identify the top research priorities for Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease (RMD) research in Ireland.

The process framework included a design workshop, two online surveys and a review of the literature.

545 people completed the first survey to identify RMD research topics relevant to Ireland, of which 72% identified as a person living with RMD. 460 people completed the second survey to prioritise these research topics.

The first survey had 2185 research topics submitted. These were analysed and grouped into 38 topic areas which were ranked in the second survey. The top three research priorities for RMD research in Ireland focused on preventing RMD progression, RMD diagnosis and its impact, and pain management.

The prioritised research topics indicate important areas of RMD research for Ireland. Research funded in response to these co-created research priorities will have increased relevance and impact.