A Delphi Study on Research Priorities in Radiation Therapy: The Norwegian Perspective

For which topic were research priorities identified?

radiation therapy

In which location was the research priority setting conducted?

Europe - Norway

Why was it conducted at all?

Radiation therapists (RTs) need to engage more in research to establish an evidence base for their daily practice the majority conduct little research themselves.

What was the objective?

to prioritize the research areas radiation therapists in Norway think are most important in their own profession

What was the outcome?

a ranking list of 10 research areas

How long did the research prioritization take?

spring 2012 - spring 2013

Which methods were used to identify research priorities?

survey

How were the priorities for research identified exactly?

Step 1: survey 1: participants were asked to meet with a group of RTs who represented the department to discuss the questions posed, drawing up three lists with at least five key challenges related to radiation that could be suitable for research, asking RTs what problems they experienced in their work with patients and with colleagues, and what areas they felt needed further research. Step 2: data processing: thematic analysis: 150 issues identified, 51 research areas. Step 3: survey 2: participants were asked to rate research areas

Which stakeholders took part?

Radiation therapists: 7 departments participated.

How were stakeholders recruited?

The survey was sent to all Norwegian departments of radiation oncology, and RTs were asked to form interest groups to discuss and prioritize the research areas.

Were stakeholders actively involved or did they just participate?

Stakeholders were mere participants of the research prioritization process; they were not actively involved in the process.