SP3.1.1Research Priorities in Emergency General Surgery. (28th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vaughan, Elizabeth; Pearson, Robert; Wohlgemut, Jared; Knight, Stephen; Wilson, Michael
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 108:Supplement 7(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-28
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab361.054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: Delphi methodology can be used to achieve consensus opinion amongst experts in a particular field. This study used a modified Delphi approach to identify research priorities in emergency general surgery (EGS). The aim was to establish a research agenda using a formal consensus-based approach in an effort to identify questions relevant to EGS that have been prioritised by relevant stakeholders with an equal voice. Methods: Three rounds were conducted using an electronic questionnaire and involved health care professionals, research personnel, patients and their relatives. In the first round stakeholders were invited to submit clinical research questions that they felt were priorities for future research. In rounds two and three, participants were asked to score individual questions in order of priority using a 5-point Linkert scale. Between rounds an expert panel were asked to analyse results before forwarding questions to subsequent rounds. Results: Ninety-two EGS research questions were proposed in Phase 1. Following the first round of prioritisation, 47 questions progressed to the final phase. A final list of 17 research questions were identified from the final round of prioritisation. These included questions on peri-operative strategies, EGS outcomes in elderly and frail patients as well as non-technical and technical influences on EGS outcomes. Conclusion: Our study provides a consensus delivered framework that should determine the research agenda for future EGS projects. It may also assist setting priorities for research funding and multi-centre collaborative strategies within the surgical subspecialty of EGS.