Short and mid-term research priorities for Veterans with multiple sclerosis: A modified Delphi process engaging Veterans, researchers, and operational partners.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVE

Identifying research priorities of Veterans, MS researchers, and key stakeholders is critical to advance high-quality, evidence-based, and Veteran-specific MS care.

METHODS

We used a modified Delphi approach to identify research priorities for Veterans with MS. Electronic surveys were distributed to Veterans with MS (n = 50,975), MS researchers (n = 191), VA healthcare providers (1,337), and funding agency representatives (n = 6) asking about their 2-3 most important research questions that would benefit Veterans with MS for researchers to answer in the next 5-10 years. Next, Delphi panelists, including Veterans, independently completed two rounds of rank ordering the questions in terms of priority. Finally, the Delphi panel met to discuss and finalize the list.

RESULTS

Sixty researchers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders and 1,322 Veterans completed the initial questionnaire. The final list of the top nine research questions focused on advancing research in several thematic areas: neuroprotection and remyelination, alleviating MS symptoms, epidemiology, and exercise.

CONCLUSION

Engaging multiple methods and Veterans at every stage of priority setting enables a representative and nuanced description of the most important VA-centric MS research questions. MS researchers are now prepared to address these targeted questions to serve Veterans with MS and meet their most pressing concerns.