# Priority setting for nutrition research in individuals with spinal cord injury: A protocol for Delphi study among health professionals

## TL;DR

This study aims to identify the top ten priorities for nutrition research in people with spinal cord injury through a structured Delphi consensus process.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the systematic identification of research priorities through a Delphi study involving global health professionals.

## Key findings

- A Delphi study protocol is outlined to establish top nutrition research priorities for spinal cord injury patients.
- Three-phase methodology includes topic generation, ranking, and consensus building with health professionals.
- Findings will be shared via ISCoS platforms and peer-reviewed journals to guide future research.

## Abstract

A protocol for Delphi Consensus Study.

To identify a top ten list of priorities for future nutrition research in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

The International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) Nutrition Specialist Interest Group (SIG) priority setting partnership was established in 2024 to conduct this international Delphi study through online surveys and a hybrid meeting.

The study involves THREE key stages: topic generation, priority ranking, and consensus building. In phase 1, participants will generate potential research topics via an online survey. Phase 2 involves ranking the top 10 research priorities on a 9-point Likert scale. Phase 3 consists of a consensus meeting where stakeholders will engage in discussions and vote on the final priorities using interactive tools. For Phases 1 and 2, both ISCoS Nutrition SIG members and their professional contacts will be invited to participate, ensuring a diverse pool of expertise. Phase 3 will be limited to Nutrition SIG members to facilitate focused decision-making. Data will be collected through secure Qualtrics surveys and analysed using descriptive statistics in STATA or SPSS. The study adheres to the Conducting and Reporting of DElphi Studies (CREDES) recommendations and employs rigorous data management practices compliant with City St George’s, University of London standards.

Ethics approval has been granted (ref: ETH2425−0192, Health Services Research & Management Proportionate Review Committee, City St George’s, University of London). The findings will be disseminated through ISCoS website, professional conferences and a peer-reviewed journal.