1
|
Fadlallah R, Daher N, El-Harakeh A, Hammam R, Brax H, Bou Karroum L, Lopes LC, Arnous G, Kassamany I, Baltayan S, Harb A, Lotfi T, El-Jardali F, Akl EA. Approaches to prioritising primary health research: a scoping review. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007465. [PMID: 35501067 PMCID: PMC9062777 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To systematically identify and describe approaches to prioritise primary research topics in any health-related area. Methods We searched Medline and CINAHL databases and Google Scholar. Teams of two reviewers screened studies and extracted data in duplicate and independently. We synthesised the information across the included approaches by developing common categorisation of relevant concepts. Results Of 44 392 citations, 30 articles reporting on 25 approaches were included, addressing the following fields: health in general (n=9), clinical (n=10), health policy and systems (n=10), public health (n=6) and health service research (n=5) (10 addressed more than 1 field). The approaches proposed the following aspects to be addressed in the prioritisation process: situation analysis/ environmental scan, methods for generation of initial list of topics, use of prioritisation criteria, stakeholder engagement, ranking process/technique, dissemination and implementation, revision and appeal mechanism, and monitoring and evaluation. Twenty-two approaches proposed involving stakeholders in the priority setting process. The most commonly proposed stakeholder category was ‘researchers/academia’ (n=17, 77%) followed by ‘healthcare providers’ (n=16, 73%). Fifteen of the approaches proposed a list of criteria for determining research priorities. We developed a common framework of 28 prioritisation criteria clustered into nine domains. The criterion most frequently mentioned by the identified approaches was ‘health burden’ (n=12, 80%), followed by ‘availability of resources’ (n=11, 73%). Conclusion We identified and described 25 prioritisation approaches for primary research topics in any health-related area. Findings highlight the need for greater participation of potential users (eg, policy-makers and the general public) and incorporation of equity as part of the prioritisation process. Findings can guide the work of researchers, policy-makers and funders seeking to conduct or fund primary health research. More importantly, the findings should be used to enhance a more coordinated approach to prioritising health research to inform decision making at all levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Racha Fadlallah
- Department of Health Management and Policy, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Knowledge to Policy (K2P) Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Najla Daher
- Knowledge to Policy (K2P) Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amena El-Harakeh
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rima Hammam
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hneine Brax
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Saint-Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lama Bou Karroum
- Department of Health Management and Policy, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Knowledge to Policy (K2P) Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Ghida Arnous
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Inas Kassamany
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Stephanie Baltayan
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aya Harb
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tamara Lotfi
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fadi El-Jardali
- Department of Health Management and Policy, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Knowledge to Policy (K2P) Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elie A Akl
- Center for Systematic Reviews on Health Policy and Systems Research (SPARK), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon .,Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nelson ML, McKellar KA, Munce S, Kelloway L, Hans PK, Fortin M, Lyons R, Bayley M. Addressing the Evidence Gap in Stroke Rehabilitation for Complex Patients: A Preliminary Research Agenda. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2017; 99:1232-1241. [PMID: 28947162 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.08.488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that a stroke occurs in isolation (no comorbid conditions) in less than 6% of patients. Multimorbidity, compounded by psychosocial issues, makes treatment and recovery for stroke increasingly complex. Recent research and health policy documents called for a better understanding of the needs of this patient population, and for the development and testing of models of care that meet their needs. A research agenda specific to complexity is required. The primary objective of the think tank was to identify and prioritize research questions that meet the information needs of stakeholders, and to develop a research agenda specific to stroke rehabilitation and patient complexity. A modified Delphi and World Café approach underpinned the think tank meeting, approaches well recognized to foster interaction, dialogue, and collaboration between stakeholders. Forty-three researchers, clinicians, and policymakers attended a 2-day meeting. Initial question-generating activities resulted in 120 potential research questions. Sixteen high-priority research questions were identified, focusing on predetermined complexity characteristics-multimorbidity, social determinants, patient characteristics, social supports, and system factors. The final questions are presented as a prioritized research framework. An emergent result of this activity is the development of a complexity and stroke rehabilitation research network. The research agenda reflects topics of importance to stakeholders working with stroke patients with increasingly complex care needs. This robust process resulted in a preliminary research agenda that could provide policymakers with the evidence needed to make improvements toward better-organized services, better coordination between settings, improved patient outcomes, and lower system costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Nelson
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Kaileah A McKellar
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Munce
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Linda Kelloway
- Cardiac Care Network of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Parminder Kaur Hans
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin Fortin
- Department of Family Medicine, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Renee Lyons
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Bayley
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schölvinck AFM, Pittens CACM, Broerse JEW. The Research Priorities of People with Visual Impairments in the Netherlands. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x1711100302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Despite the relatively high prevalence and challenges of visual impairments, limited funding is available for ophthalmologic research in the Netherlands. The research needs of people with visual impairments could aid the ophthalmological research community to optimally distribute research resources. The objective of the study presented here was to identify daily life problems, concerns, and wishes for future research from people with ophthalmological disorders, visual impairments, or deafblindness in order to set a research agenda that provides directions for future ophthalmology research. Methods A four-phase participatory research approach was carried out using mixed methods to stimulate needs-articulation. Eight focus group discussions, seven feedback meetings, and seven interviews were organized, in which 89 consumers were consulted. Surveys to prioritize the topics were developed for both the medical and sociopsychological topics, which were completed by 784 and 631 respondents, respectively. Results For the medical research agenda, research directly aimed at the cause of the ophthalmological disorders was considered more important than research aimed at improving quality of life. The themes “new and regenerative medicine,” “cause and disease mechanism,” “prevention and diagnosis,” and “improvement of current treatments” were prioritized as high. For the sociopsychological agenda, needs concerning the “improvement of technologies for people with visual impairments” and “navigation, orientation, and accessibility of public space” were considered top priorities. Discussion The identified research needs were relatively uniform across different consumer groups, providing opportunities for joint action. The research agenda included themes that can be taken up by “traditional” ophthalmological research, more broadly defined health care–related research, and more policy-influencing strategies. Implications for practitioners The research needs could help researchers and policymakers in ophthalmology and visual impairment research to guide their research focus and legislation priorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Floor M. Schölvinck
- Athena Institute, Free University Amsterdam de Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carina A. C. M. Pittens
- Vilans Center of Expertise for Long-Term Care, Catharijnesingel 47, Postbus 8228, 3503 RE Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sadana R, Blas E, Budhwani S, Koller T, Paraje G. Healthy Ageing: Raising Awareness of Inequalities, Determinants, and What Could Be Done to Improve Health Equity. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2017; 56 Suppl 2:S178-93. [PMID: 26994259 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnw034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Social and scientific discourses on healthy ageing and on health equity are increasingly available, yet from a global perspective limited conceptual and analytical work connecting both has been published. This review was done to inform the WHO World Report on Ageing and Health and to inform and encourage further work addressing both healthy aging and equity. DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted an extensive literature review on the overlap between both topics, privileging publications from 2005 onward, from low-, middle-, and high-income countries. We also reviewed evidence generated around the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health, applicable to ageing and health across the life course. RESULTS Based on data from 194 countries, we highlight differences in older adults' health and consider three issues: First, multilevel factors that contribute to differences in healthy ageing, across contexts; second, policies or potential entry points for action that could serve to reduce unfair differences (health inequities); and third, new research areas to address the cause of persistent inequities and gaps in evidence on what can be done to increase healthy ageing and health equity. IMPLICATIONS Each of these areas warrant in depth analysis and synthesis, whereas this article presents an overview for further consideration and action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Sadana
- Department of Ageing and Life Course, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Erik Blas
- International Public Health and Development, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Suman Budhwani
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Theadora Koller
- Gender, Equity and Human Rights Team, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
In a Guest Editorial, Cosetta Minelli and Gianluca Baio explain how VOI analysis can prioritize research projects by identifying uncertainty in existing knowledge and then estimating expected benefits from reducing that uncertainty.
Collapse
|
6
|
Puhan MA, Yu T, Boyd CM, Ter Riet G. Quantitative benefit-harm assessment for setting research priorities: the example of roflumilast for patients with COPD. BMC Med 2015; 13:157. [PMID: 26137986 PMCID: PMC4490602 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-015-0398-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When faced with uncertainties about the effects of medical interventions regulatory agencies, guideline developers, clinicians, and researchers commonly ask for more research, and in particular for more randomized trials. The conduct of additional randomized trials is, however, sometimes not the most efficient way to reduce uncertainty. Instead, approaches such as value of information analysis or other approaches should be used to prioritize research that will most likely reduce uncertainty and inform decisions. DISCUSSION In situations where additional research for specific interventions needs to be prioritized, we propose the use of quantitative benefit-harm assessments that illustrate how the benefit-harm balance may change as a consequence of additional research. The example of roflumilast for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease shows that additional research on patient preferences (e.g., how important are exacerbations relative to psychiatric harms?) or outcome risks (e.g., what is the incidence of psychiatric outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease without treatment?) is sometimes more valuable than additional randomized trials. We propose that quantitative benefit-harm assessments have the potential to explore the impact of additional research and to identify research priorities Our approach may be seen as another type of value of information analysis and as a useful approach to stimulate specific new research that has the potential to change current estimates of the benefit-harm balance and decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milo A Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Tsung Yu
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Cynthia M Boyd
- Center on Aging and Health, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Gerben Ter Riet
- Academic Medical Center, Department of General Practice, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wald HL, Leykum LK, Mattison MLP, Vasilevskis EE, Meltzer DO. A patient-centered research agenda for the care of the acutely ill older patient. J Hosp Med 2015; 10:318-27. [PMID: 25877486 PMCID: PMC4422835 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.2356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hospitalists and others acute-care providers are limited by gaps in evidence addressing the needs of the acutely ill older adult population. The Society of Hospital Medicine sponsored the Acute Care of Older Patients Priority Setting Partnership to develop a research agenda focused on bridging this gap. Informed by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute framework for identification and prioritization of research areas, we adapted a methodology developed by the James Lind Alliance to engage diverse stakeholders in the research agenda setting process. The work of the Partnership proceeded through 4 steps: convening, consulting, collating, and prioritizing. First, the steering committee convened a partnership of 18 stakeholder organizations in May 2013. Next, stakeholder organizations surveyed members to identify important unanswered questions in the acute care of older persons, receiving 1299 responses from 580 individuals. Finally, an extensive and structured process of collation and prioritization resulted in a final list of 10 research questions in the following areas: advanced-care planning, care transitions, delirium, dementia, depression, medications, models of care, physical function, surgery, and training. With the changing demographics of the hospitalized population, a workforce with limited geriatrics training, and gaps in evidence to inform clinical decision making for acutely ill older patients, the identified research questions deserve the highest priority in directing future research efforts to improve care for the older hospitalized patient and enrich training.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi L. Wald
- Division of Health Care Policy and Research, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Luci K. Leykum
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System and Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio TX
| | - Melissa L. P. Mattison
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Medicine and Primary Care, Section of Hospital Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Eduard E. Vasilevskis
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health and Center for Quality Aging, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - David O. Meltzer
- Section of Hospital Medicine, University of Chicago Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bosworth HB. The changing face of general internal medicine and lessons learned from geriatric medicine. J Gen Intern Med 2014; 29:824-6. [PMID: 24557517 PMCID: PMC4026502 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-014-2799-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hayden B Bosworth
- Departments of Medicine, Psychiatry, and Nursing, Duke University Medical Center, 411 Chapel Hill Street, Suite 600, Durham, NC, 27701, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zerzan JT, Rich EC. Advancing geriatrics research, education, and practice: policy challenges after the great recession. J Gen Intern Med 2014; 29:920-5. [PMID: 24557514 PMCID: PMC4026495 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-013-2763-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The series of articles in this JGIM issue provides a number of policy-relevant recommendations for advancing geriatrics research, education and practice. Despite the unprecedented pressure to reduce state and federal spending, policymakers must concurrently address the challenges of a growing population of older individuals with increasingly complex health care problems. Thus, there may be opportunities to advance this agenda in creative ways. For example, without new spending, federal research agencies can make changes to encourage needed new directions in aging research, and the ACA provides new funding opportunities such as the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute. States and the federal government have an increasing need for the health professions workforce to have collaborative care skills and geriatrics clinical competencies, and are finding ways to invest in relevant initiatives. On the clinical program side, state and federal governments are initiating programs to promote delivery system changes that improve the care of older adults. Nonetheless, in the face of the policy challenges that have persisted after the "great recession," academic geriatrics and general internal medicine will need to join forces with public and private interests to secure the resources needed to advance this ambitious agenda for geriatrics research, education and practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judy T Zerzan
- Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, 1570 Grant Street, Denver, CO, 80203, USA,
| | | |
Collapse
|