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Matching the right study design to decision-maker questions: Results from a Delphi study
Cristián Mansilla1,2, Gordon Guyatt3, Arthur Sweetman4
1McMaster Health Forum, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
PLOS Global Public Health
|February 29, 2024
Summary
This study guides decision-makers on selecting appropriate research study designs for various questions. It uses expert consensus to rank study designs, aiding evidence-based decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Health Systems Research
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Research evidence is crucial for informed decision-making at all stages.
- Evidence-support systems are vital for matching evidence supply with demand.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide guidance on selecting the most suitable study designs for different types of decision-making questions.
- To help decision-makers, evidence intermediaries, researchers, and funders commission, use, or fund appropriate study designs.
Main Methods:
- A two-round online Delphi approach involving methodological experts from diverse backgrounds.
- Experts prioritized study designs for 40 distinct question types, with consensus defined by Kendall's W > 0.6 and p<0.05.
- Rankings were sorted by median ranks and interquartile ranges to identify top-performing study designs.
Main Results:
- Consensus was reached for 28 out of 40 questions across two Delphi rounds.
- Key consensus areas included clarifying societal problems (8/15), finding solutions (12/13), and implementation/monitoring (4/6 each).
- The study identified the four most suitable study designs for 28 different question types.
Conclusions:
- This research offers practical guidance on matching study designs to specific decision-making needs.
- The findings empower stakeholders to make more informed choices regarding research design commissioning and utilization.
- Effective use of evidence-based study designs can enhance the impact of research on policy and practice.
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