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Background/Aim
Western Australian Country Health Service (WACHS) is one of the world’s largest health
service by area. The diversity of resourcing, population density and remote locations
results in distinctive challenges and opportunities in the provision of maternity
care. The aim of this Delphi study was to establish a collaborative, interdisciplinary
evidence-based consensus regarding maternity research priorities across the service.
Method
A three-round Delphi survey method was used. Maternity professionals employed by WACHS
(including midwives, obstetricians, GP obstetricians, Aboriginal maternity workers,
remote area nurses and midwifery managers / leaders) were invited to participate.
The first round collected demographic data and had free text fields, encouraging participants
to create a list of ideas, problems and opportunities that could be addressed through
research.
Results
Responses from the first questionnaire were grouped and summarised. A total of 52
key concepts were identified which were classified across five domains: Clinical Care;
Aboriginal Health; Workforce and Education, Logistics and Health Systems; and, Health
Equity. The second-round survey sought ranking of the importance and perceived priority
of each research topic proposed. The top 15 ranked research topics from round two
were then circulated to all WACHS maternity professionals in a round three survey
and a final priority ranking to guide the focus of future research activities at WACHS
was obtained.
Significance
The final results will be available in May 2022 and will report the first-ever systematic
and scientific consensus of maternity research priorities identified by the maternity
professionals working in the unique settings presented in rural and remote Western
Australia. The Delphi will offer an evidence-informed list of research priorities
as identified by WACHS maternity professionals. It is anticipated that the study will
enhance engagement, collaboration and enthusiasm within the interdisciplinary maternity
team to undertake research locally, potentially, with multi-site collaborations within
WA or nationally.
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Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
