Identifying research priorities for paediatric nutrition for Australia: A Delphi consensus approach.

Aim: The Australian Academy of Science's Decadal Plan for the science of nutrition emphasised research investment combined with system wide changes to improve the population's nutritional health. This study applied a Delphi consensus process with the aim to develop a definition for 'paediatric nutrition research' alongside identifying research themes and specific key priorities.

Methods: Multidisciplinary health professionals with expertise in paediatric nutrition were invited to participate in an on-line survey. Panellists contributed to refining a new definition of paediatric nutrition research. Consensus was sought on nine priority areas under which more specific topics were listed, with panellists using a 7-point Likert scale to rate priority statements. Approval was considered where agreement was reached by ≥70% of participants, with a ranked score ≥6.

Results: Participants (n = 104) were invited with n =31 agreeing (response rate: 30%). The majority (n = 28) also completed round 2. The proposed definition of paediatric nutrition research was agreed by 86% of first round respondents. This process generated 7 research themes containing 30 specific topic priorities. The themes were: growth and development; health equity and priority populations; food systems and food access; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; strengthening prevention and treatment; empowering children, parents, and caregivers to maximise healthy development; and strengthening the workforce.

Conclusions: This study will support the prioritisation of critical nutrition research questions and inform the skills and expertise required within cross-disciplinary teams needed to tackle the identified priorities. Consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and consumer representatives is required to understand the specific needs of priority communities.