title: Closing evidence-practice gaps in lung cancer: Results from multi-methods priority setting in the clinical context.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish priorities for implementation research to reduce evidence-practice gaps in lung cancer care.
  
  
  METHODS
  A modified Nominal Group Technique was used to prioritize evidence-practice gaps in lung cancer care with oncology professionals at three clinical study sites: one rural and two metropolitan. A multimethods design was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-two health professionals participated, representing a multidisciplinary spread across the care trajectory. A standout priority was identified: reducing the time from first presentation of symptoms to diagnosis and referral for treatment (gap 1), as well as significant focus on a number of presented priorities, including: utilization of active treatments; timely referral to palliative care services; screening as a potential diagnostic tool; and focusing on the care needs of our vulnerable population groups. We describe emerging themes from the qualitative analysis, including: patient help-seeking behavior, provider knowledge about lung cancer, service factors, patient and provider factors in not receiving treatment, the "flow on" effect of variations from optimal care, vulnerable populations of patients, psychosocial needs and early referral to palliative care services.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study is an example of a priority setting partnership between clinicians and health researchers. The priorities highlighted by this study guide future decision making for collaborative implementation of research in lung cancer care.
authors.affiliation: RISE Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McGregor
authors.affiliation: Sydney Catalyst Translational Cancer Centre, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rankin
authors.affiliation: Psycho-oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG), and School of Psychology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Phyllis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Butow
authors.affiliation: Sydney Catalyst Translational Cancer Centre, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: York
authors.affiliation: Cancer Nursing Research Unit, University of Sydney, and Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.affiliation: Western New South Wales Local Health District, Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: RISE Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shaw
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology; D000071836:Professional Practice Gaps; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012106:Research
keywords: evidence-based practice; health services research; lung neoplaslms; qualitative research; researh priorities