Research priorities for inpatient general paediatrics in Australia and New Zealand: a modified Delphi Study

Aim: To develop consensus on the priorities for multi-centre, inpatient general paediatrics research in Australia and New Zealand. Methods: The Children's Inpatient Research Collaboration of Australia and New Zealand (CIRCAN) conducted a three-stage modified Delphi study consisting of three anonymous survey rounds followed by a Hanlon Process of Prioritisation. Results: Participants included paediatricians, paediatric trainees, nursing, allied health staff, and academics. A moderator group (10 members) oversaw the process. In the first survey, 124 participants submitted 306 research questions which were refined to a list of 89 by the moderator group. Eighty-one respondents took part in the second and third survey rounds, leading to identification of 19 priority research questions, which were then anonymously ranked by 18 CIRCAN members through a facilitated Hanlon Process of Prioritisation. The highest ranked topics included asthma (six questions), bronchiolitis (five questions), sepsis/meningitis (four questions), as well as single questions on cellulitis, eating disorders, rehabilitation, and coordination of complex care. Conclusion: This prioritisation study established a consensus list of research questions. Research topics regarding respiratory conditions were most highly ranked. These results will inform multicentre inpatient general paediatric research in Australia and New Zealand.