The Chiropractic Research Priorities in Australia (ChiRPA) project: a study protocol

ABSTRACT Introduction Building and using a robust evidence-base which is informed via high quality research is the reality facing contemporary healthcare professions and the establishment of research agendas that codify priorities assist in evaluating the appropriate allocation of limited research resources. Whilst formal chiropractic research agendas have been established in North America and Europe, no formal, comprehensive, inter-organisational chiropractic research agenda has been formulated within the Australian context. A critical precursor to inform the development of any such Australian chiropractic research agenda, is the identification of the priorities held by practising chiropractors, chiropractic academics, educators, researchers, and postgraduate HDR students, along with an appraisal of the current research capacity and output of the Australian chiropractic profession. Objectives Design a questionnaire to; a) identify and rank the research priorities of a national sample of practising chiropractors, chiropractic academics, educators, researchers, and postgraduate HDR students, and; b) examine the current research capacity and output of the Australian chiropractic profession. Methods A survey instrument design was developed via an iterative process that initially built upon an extensive search of the chiropractic research priority literature from which items were aggregated and distilled. Senior and experienced members of the profession were then consulted to identify other items that should be considered for inclusion. Results The finalised cross-sectional questionnaire is a self-administered, multi-dimensional instrument comprising 5 main research categories. In addition, the questionnaire also includes items such as research funding, support for existing research agendas, and suggestions for future research. The questionnaire also explores research output, research barriers, research time allocation, perspectives on engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration and secured research funding. Analysis Quantitative data will be descriptively analysed whilst qualitative data will be analysed and reported along standard qualitative study protocols. Conclusion The Australian chiropractic profession needs to maximise ambitious, collaborative, creative research performed at best practice standards and then accelerate the implementation of useful findings that emerge. By ensuring the voices of all sectors of the profession are heard in the formulation of an Australian Chiropractic Research Agenda, the findings from our study will provide important insights into future research directions for the Australian chiropractic profession.