Identifying neonatal transport research priorities: a modified Delphi consensus.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Transport Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Neonatal transport advances necessitate a focused research strategy to enhance evidence-based care.
• Identifying research priorities is crucial for optimizing the care of critically ill newborns during transfer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and prioritize key research questions in neonatal transport.
• To actively involve parents and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in shaping the research agenda.

Main Methods:

• A modified three-stage Delphi consensus process involving key stakeholders.
• Two survey rounds to gather research questions, followed by a priority-setting workshop.
• Analysis of 269 survey responses from HCPs/stakeholders (n=161) and parents (n=108).

Main Results:

• Consensus was reached on 22 of 43 research priorities.
• The top 10 research priorities include pain assessment/management, neurological outcomes, transport risks, safety restraints, temperature/respiratory management, environmental exposures, and family mental health.
• Priorities span critical domains impacting infant well-being during transfer.

Conclusions:

• An extensive consensus process involving parents, HCPs, and stakeholders identified top neonatal transport research questions.
• Targeted research funding and resources are needed to address these priorities.
• Addressing these priorities will inform evidence-based practices and improve outcomes for high-risk infants and families.