title: International identification of research priorities for postgraduate theses in musculoskeletal physiotherapy using a modified Delphi technique.
abstract: Research priorities are established to identify gaps and maximise opportunities in developing an evidence base. Numerous postgraduate research theses are undertaken each year within the specialist area of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, and although some are published, greater potential for influence exists. This paper identifies international research priorities for postgraduate theses developed using a consensual Delphi process. A purposive sample included course tutors and expert clinicians nominated by Member Organisations of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (N=91). Round 1 requested >10 priorities for theses, and content analysis identified research themes. Round 2 requested participants rank the importance of each theme on a 1-5 scale, and round 3 requested ranking the importance and feasibility of the research question areas within each agreed theme. Descriptive analysis and use of Kendall's coefficient of concordance enabled interpretation of consensus. The response rate of 68% was good, identifying 23 research themes in round 1. Round 2 identified 14 research themes as important. Participant rating of the importance and feasibility of research question areas in round 3 supported 43 agreed priorities demonstrating good measurement validity. Establishing priorities provides a vision of how postgraduate theses can contribute to the developing evidence base and offer a focus for international collaboration.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Population Sciences, College of Medicine and Dentistry, 52 Pritchatts Road, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom. a.b.rushton@bham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rushton
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D003697:Delphi Technique; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D017145:Models, Educational; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D013336:Students, Health Occupations