# Operating Department Practitioner’s research priorities: A Delphi study

## TL;DR

This study identifies key research priorities for Operating Department Practitioners to improve patient care and professional development.

## Contribution

The study establishes 31 consensus-based research priorities for Operating Department Practitioners through a Delphi method.

## Key findings

- Thirty-one research priorities were identified through a three-round Delphi study.
- Five key themes emerged: Workforce Transformation, Education, Patient Safety and Experience, Innovation and Technology, and Theatre Culture.
- The study supports funding opportunities and professional development for Operating Department Practitioners.

## Abstract

With the 2022 Allied Health Professions’ Research and Innovation Strategy and the College of Operating Department Practitioners joining the Council for Allied Health Professions Research, understanding the Operating Department Practitioner profession’s vision for research and innovation and identifying its research priorities has become important. This Delphi study aimed to establish research priorities for the Operating Department Practitioner profession. Questionnaires were distributed to Operating Department Practitioners using College of Operating Department Practitioners and social media networks. Round 1 saw 49 eligible responses; this reduced to 21 in Round 2 and 17 in Round 3. Thirty-one research priorities were identified by consensus. Priority rank was determined by mean score, percentage agreement, and coefficient of variance. By reaching a consensus, Operating Department Practitioners co-created research priorities and identified several themes that will contribute to professional development and patient care and support funding opportunities. The five key themes were Workforce Transformation, Education, Patient Safety and Experience, Innovation and Technology, and Theatre Culture.