Using a Delphi process to define priorities for prison health research in Canada

Abstract

ObjectivesA large number of Canadians spend time in correctional facilities each year, and they are likely to have poor health compared to the general population. Relatively little health research has been conducted in Canada with a focus on people who experience detention or incarceration. We aimed to conduct a Delphi process with key stakeholders to define priorities for research in prison health in Canada for the next 10 years.SettingWe conducted a Delphi process using an online survey with two rounds in 2014 and 2015.ParticipantsWe invited key stakeholders in prison health research in Canada to participate, which we defined as persons who had published research on prison health in Canada since 1994 and persons in the investigators’ professional networks. We invited 143 persons to participate in the first round and 59 participated. We invited 137 persons to participate in the second round and 67 participated.Primary and secondary outcome measuresParticipants suggested topics in the first round, and these topics were collated by investigators. We measured the level of agreement among participants that each collated topic was a priority for prison health research in Canada for the next 10 years, and defined priorities based on the level of agreement.ResultsIn the first round, participants suggested 71 topics. In the second round, consensus was achieved that a large number of suggested topics were research priorities. Top priorities were diversion and alternatives to incarceration, social and community re-integration, creating healthy environments in prisons, healthcare in custody, continuity of healthcare, substance use disorders and the health of Aboriginal persons in custody.ConclusionsGenerated in an inclusive and systematic process, these findings should inform future research efforts to improve the health and healthcare of people who experience detention and incarceration in Canada.

Priorities for methodological research on patient and public involvement in clinical trials: A modified Delphi process

“…During the consensus meeting some prioritized topics were revised to define a research method to be used to explore that particular topic, such as Topic 31: “A systematic review of PPI activity in improving accessibility and usefulness of trial leaflets and information sheets for clinical trial participants’ ” , whilst others, such as Topic 20 “Developing strong and productive working relationships between researchers and PPI contributors” are more wide ranging and relate to challenges in PPI. Such wider topics may contain multiple components, and further consideration will be needed to develop these topics into formal research questions and to identify the most appropriate research methods for addressing these questions …”

“…Delphis are used in health and social science research as a means of involving participants with relevant experience, via a multistaged study, to achieve consensus on a given topic . This involves conducting sequential anonymous surveys to collect, collate and present results back to the group.…”

“…This involves conducting sequential anonymous surveys to collect, collate and present results back to the group. To help achieve consensus, participants can view and revise their own responses in the light of group responses . The process can be modified to include opportunities for feedback or a consensus meeting so that participants can discuss their views .…”

“…Delphis are used in health and social science research as a means of involving participants with relevant experience, via a multistaged study, to achieve consensus on a given topic. 16,31,32 This involves conducting Participants: In total, 237 people registered of whom 219 (92%) completed the first round. One hundred and eighty-seven of 219 (85%) completed the second; 25 stakeholders attended the consensus meeting.…”

“…To help achieve consensus, participants can view and revise their own responses in the light of group responses. 32 The process can be modified to include opportunities for feedback or a consensus meeting so that participants can discuss their views. 33,34 We designed a modified Delphi, comprising a literature review to identify topics for research on PPI, followed by a two round online survey and stakeholder consensus meeting.…”