Identifying research priorities for paediatric nutrition for Australia: A Delphi consensus approach

The Australian Academy of Science's Decadal Plan for the science of nutrition emphasised research investment combined with system wide changes to improve the population's nutritional health. This study applied a Delphi consensus process with the aim to develop a definition for 'paediatric nutrition research' alongside identifying research themes and specific key priorities.

Multidisciplinary health professionals with expertise in paediatric nutrition were invited to participate in an on-line survey. Panellists contributed to refining a new definition of paediatric nutrition research. Consensus was sought on nine priority areas under which more specific topics were listed, with panellists using a 7-point Likert scale to rate priority statements. Approval was considered where agreement was reached by ≥70% of participants, with a ranked score ≥6.

Participants (n = 104) were invited with n =31 agreeing (response rate: 30%). The majority (n = 28) also completed round 2. The proposed definition of paediatric nutrition research was agreed by 86% of first round respondents. This process generated 7 research themes containing 30 specific topic priorities. The themes were: growth and development; health equity and priority populations; food systems and food access; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; strengthening prevention and treatment; empowering children, parents, and caregivers to maximise healthy development; and strengthening the workforce.

This study will support the prioritisation of critical nutrition research questions and inform the skills and expertise required within cross-disciplinary teams needed to tackle the identified priorities. Consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and consumer representatives is required to understand the specific needs of priority communities.