Article

Research funds for cerebral palsy are scarce and competition for them is
strong. This study aimed to identify questions for future research that were
agreed to be a high priority. METHOD: An expert panel of consumers, researchers,
and clinicians was assembled (n=127) and surveyed using a Delphi survey
comprising three rounds. In round I, participants identified three important
research topics. Three parallel surveys were constructed: (1) consumers; (2)
intervention researchers and clinicians; and (3) aetiology and prevention
researchers. In rounds II and III, participants rated priorities using a
seven-point Likert scale. Questions reaching consensus were itemized and those
not reaching consensus were discarded. RESULTS: Consumers identified questions in
the themes of prevention/cure, quality of life/community participation, and
service provision/intervention. Intervention researchers/clinicians identified
questions in the themes of effective outcomes and effective research/services.
Aetiology and prevention researchers identified questions in the themes of
infection/inflammation, focus on timing, haematology, research tools,
neuroregeneration, and genetics. Fifty per cent of the consumers' priorities were
also identified by professionals. INTERPRETATION: Research priorities change as
evidence is established. Phase II of this project is to develop a web portal with
international collaboration. As evidence builds for one research question, it will be added to the web portal and unanswered questions will become the
priority.

Langue : ANGLAIS