Refreshing the emergency medicine research priorities

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Health Services Research
• Priority Setting

Background:

• UK emergency medicine research priorities were initially set in 2017.
• Significant changes, including a pandemic and worsening urgent care crisis, necessitated a review.
• The scope focused on adult patients in the Emergency Department (ED).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and refresh the established UK emergency medicine research priorities.
• To incorporate new questions and address the evolving landscape of emergency care.
• To inform the future research agenda in UK emergency medicine.

Main Methods:

• A steering group with patients, carers, and professionals guided the methodology.
• New research questions were gathered via an open call and underwent mini-systematic reviews.
• An interim prioritization survey and a final workshop were used to rank questions.

Main Results:

• 77 new questions were submitted, with 58 undergoing mini-systematic review.
• 49 questions proceeded to an interim survey with 276 responses.
• A final workshop identified and agreed upon the top 10 research priorities.

Conclusions:

• The UK emergency medicine research priorities have been redefined using a robust methodology.
• The refreshed priorities will guide the research agenda for emergency medicine in the UK.
• This update reflects the current challenges and needs within the emergency care system.