Research Priorities for Inpatient General Paediatrics in Australia and New Zealand: A Modified Delphi Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Research
• Inpatient Care
• Health Priorities

Background:

• General paediatrics inpatient research requires clear priorities.
• Establishing consensus is crucial for effective resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop consensus on research priorities for multi-centre, inpatient general paediatrics in Australia and New Zealand.
• To guide future research collaborations and funding.

Main Methods:

• A three-stage modified Delphi study was conducted by the Children's Inpatient Research Collaboration of Australia and New Zealand (CIRCAN).
• Anonymous surveys and the Hanlon Process of Prioritisation were used to refine and rank research questions.
• Participants included paediatricians, trainees, nursing, allied health staff, and academics.

Main Results:

• 19 priority research questions were identified through the Delphi process.
• Respiratory conditions, including asthma and bronchiolitis, were the highest-ranked research topics.
• Sepsis/meningitis, cellulitis, eating disorders, rehabilitation, and complex care coordination were also identified.

Conclusions:

• A consensus list of priority research questions for inpatient general paediatrics was established.
• Respiratory conditions emerged as the most highly ranked research area.
• These findings will inform and direct future multicentre research in Australian and New Zealand paediatrics.