Prioritizing research for patients requiring surgery in low-and middle-income countries
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Authors
Colleges, School and Institutes
External organisations
- NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery
Abstract
Background: The National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery is establishing research Hubs in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was for the Hubs to prioritize future research into areas of unmet clinical need for patients in LMICs requiring surgery. Methods: A modified Delphi process was overseen by the research Hub leads and engaged LMIC clinicians, patients and expert methodologists. A four-stage iterative process was delivered to prioritize research topics. This included anonymous electronic voting, teleconference discussions and a 2-day priority-setting workshop. Results: In stage 1, Hub leads proposed 32 topics across six domains: access to surgery, cancer, perioperative care, research methods, acute care surgery and communicable disease. In stages 2 and 3, 40 LMICs and 20 high-income countries participated in online voting, leading to identification of three priority research topics: access to surgery; outcomes of cancer surgery; and perioperative care. During stage 4, specific research plans to address each topic were developed by Hub leads at a priority-setting workshop. Conclusion: This process identified three priority areas for future research relevant to surgery in LMICs. It was driven by front-line LMIC clinicians, patients and other stakeholders representing a diverse range of settings. The results of the prioritization exercise provide a future framework for researchers and funders.
Details
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | e113-e120 |
Journal | British Journal of Surgery |
Volume | 106 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2019 |