A modified AUGIS/BOMSS Delphi process to establish research priorities in bariatric and metabolic surgery

Abstract

Background: Delphi methodology may be utilised to develop consensus opinion amongst a group of experts. The aim of our study was to use a modified Delphi process to determine the future research priorities amongbariatric and metabolic healthcare professionalsin the United Kingdom. Methods: Members of the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons and the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS) were invited to submit individual research questions viaan online survey (phase I). Two rounds of prioritisation by multidisciplinary expert healthcare professionals (phase II and III) were completed to determine a final list of high priority research questions. Results: Fifty-one bariatric and metabolic surgery-focused questions were identified in phase I. 35questions were taken forward for prioritisation in phase II. Eleven high priority questions were identified in phase III. The final list of high priority questions had an emphasis on the pathophysiology and long-term sequelae of bariatric and metabolic surgery.ConclusionA modified Delphi process has produced a list of 11 high priority research questions in bariatric and metabolic surgery. Future studies and awards from funding bodies should reflect this consensus list of prioritised questions in the interest of improving patient care and encouraging collaborative research across multiple centres.