Aims: To identify priorities for clinical trials and large cohort studies addressing maternal and perinatal health and healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Methods: An Aotearoa New Zealand specific Research Prioritisation Framework was developed. Knowledge gaps were collected from an Audience Group via online questionnaires, video call interviews, and by systematic review. These were formulated into research questions. An Advisory Group reviewed questions suited to a clinical trial or large cohort study. A Ranking Group weighted the ranking criteria and ranked the research questions.
Results: A total of 305 online questionnaires, 62 interviews and 62 published prioritisation projects generated 3,347 knowledge gaps. After content analysis, 358 unanswered research questions were ranked. Rating criteria weightings were: effect on equity 26.1%; potential to reduce disease burden 20.5%; effectiveness 20.0%; deliverability 17.9%; and answerability 16.0%. All of the top 20 prioritised research questions directly related to Māori and/or Pacific health and predominantly involved research into healthcare systems and workforce rather than disease conditions.
Conclusions: This project has identified the most important questions for future clinical trials and large cohort studies addressing maternal and perinatal health and healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Framework and methodology can be adapted for use across all areas of health.