# Establishing a stakeholder group for primary care focused cancer research in Ireland

## TL;DR

This paper describes the creation of a stakeholder group in Ireland to coordinate cancer research focused on primary care, aiming to improve patient-centered research and translation into practice.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is establishing a structured stakeholder group for primary care cancer research in Ireland, using a consensus process to guide its role and activities.

## Key findings

- A stakeholder group will be formed to coordinate primary care cancer research in Ireland.
- An e-Delphi process will be used to gather consensus on the group's role and priorities.
- The group aims to improve research relevance and translation into practice through stakeholder engagement.

## Abstract

Introduction: Currently, no group specifically supports and coordinates primary care focused cancer research in Ireland. The aim of this project is to establish an inclusive stakeholder group for primary care focused cancer research in Ireland, to coordinate research efforts and build capacity in researchers and institutions.

Methods: We will convene a stakeholder group, recruiting individuals with personal and professional experience of cancer care in a community setting. “Core stakeholders”—patients, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers—will attend regularly. Additional “specialist stakeholders”, such as representatives of secondary care, private healthcare, health insurance, industry, cancer charities, and health research funders, will participate on an ad hoc basis.

An e-Delphi consensus process will be used to assess the stakeholders’ views on: (1) the relevance and importance of primary care focused cancer research; (2) the potential role and scope of the stakeholder group; (3) how best to engage with lived experience stakeholders and healthcare professionals affected by the research; (4) how best to disseminate results and advocate for translation of findings into practice. Round 1 will be open-ended and will invite the independent suggestions of stakeholders; in Round 2 and 3, group members will vote on the inclusion of these suggestions in a position statement by the group, with consensus defined as ≥75% agreement.

Discussion: The formation of a broad stakeholder group to support primary care focused cancer research will ensure research is relevant, patient centred, and more readily translated into practice. It is also hoped that the group will support capacity building and strategic planning in this important research space.