Defining priorities and understanding health inequalities in telehealth research

• Grant number: 21/05477-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2022
• End date: March 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Bruno Tirotti Saragiotto
• Grantee: Junior Vitorino Fandim
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação, Pesquisa e Extensão. Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Telehealth has provided healthcare services to patients over the past decades and its use has grown substantially during the COVID-19 outbreak. Evidence demonstrates inconsistencies and heterogeneity in the telehealth terminology and there is a lack of research on the priorities and agenda for telehealth research in musculoskeletal pain. Objectives: The general purpose is to gain consensus about telehealth terminology, and research priorities in musculoskeletal pain research. Study design: An international modified three-round e-Delphi survey. Methods: Participants forming the panel members will be researchers, clinicians, patients, consumer representatives, thought leaders, healthcare managers, and policymakers identified via Expertscape, PubMed and social media advertising. We will also use a snow ball sampling strategy to recruit other potential panel members. The survey will be sent by email with an individual link to the Typeform® platform. A list of potential terminologies and research priorities based on previously published studies with adjustment and refinement through research group and International Steering Committee discussion will be presented to panel members. Initially, panel member will be asked to select all different telehealth terminologies musculoskeletal pain research known. Subsequently, panel member will be asked to rate the level of agreement of each terminology for "telehealth" to be used in musculoskeletal pain research and the research priorities for the "telehealth in musculoskeletal pain research" field. A 5-point Likert scale will be used to rate the level of agreement of each item and a priori cutoff points of at least 80% will be used to establish consensus in each round. Descriptive analysisof the results will be performed using measures of central tendency (mean), measures of uncertainty (SD), absolute and relative frequencies to demonstrate panel members´ demographic characteristics and responses of each section over the three rounds to establish consensus for main terminology and research priorities in telehealth in musculoskeletal pain research. Expected results: Through a modified e-Delphi survey we aim to reach a consensus among stakeholders on the best terminology and research priorities for telehealth research in musculoskeletal pain research. (AU)