Identifying research priorities to optimize allied health care – informed by consumers: a modified Delphi study.

Abstract

Aim: In health service research, it is vital that w Aim: e address questions that are important to patients and that the research meets a health service need or gap in the evidence. This study brings together people from the community, clinicians and academic researchers to identify priorities for allied health research in the Grampians region. Methods: Phase 1: Survey and focus groups will be used to : elicit information about consumers’ experiences of allied health care; their perceptions of service gaps, ways to optimize care, patient-centred care, and on how to prioritise competing health care issues; and areas for service improvement and further research. Phase2: Using a modified Delphi method, a panel including community members, clinicians, health service managers, and researchers will firstly review information from phase 1, then generate additional ideas, and finally identify and agree on research priorities. Results: Results: Fifty respondents from rural communities have participated in the survey and three community forums have been conducted (n=12). Preliminary analysis of the focus group data identifies several health care issues in rural areas including: (1) access to quality care – availability and experience of specialists and other health providers, limited support services; (2) cost – cumulative costs for people with chronic conditions, urgent care fees in rural areas; (3) isolation – geographical (distance to services) and social (older populations); and (4) cultural factors – reluctance to seek help, fear of stigma, difficulty maintaining privacy and confidentiality in small communities. Conclusion: Conclusion: Respondents have been passionate about a range of health issues in their communities. Future forums will focus on vulnerable groups, including indigenous people and people with disabilities. Health professionals are currently being recruited to have their say about health issues in their communities.