Identifying key guidelines around the Speech & Language Therapy role in Frailty: A research priority-setting exercise using a modified Delphi approach

Background Due to longer life expectancy, the incidence of frailty is increasing. Global healthcare services are responding to this demand by investing in services specialising in managing those living with frailty. Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) are an integral part of newly established multi-disciplinary teams targeting frailty however there is little to no existing evidence base in relation to this patient cohort. There is a need for further research into how SLTs manage this population and a research priority-setting exercise is most appropriate to target initial research priorities. Methods Sequential mixed-methods consensus methodology using a Delphi study. Two rounds were completed with 80 statements provided for participants to rank covering a range of clinical and professional themes. Descriptive analysis will be used and consensus will be deemed to have been reached with >70% agreement. Participants were recruited from SLTs or SLT Managers who work or manage specialist frailty services within the Republic of Ireland. Results Fifteen experts were recruited and two rounds of the Delphi study were completed. Fifty-one statements, covering nine themes, reached consensus with highly important research priorities identified, including the SLT contribution to the overall model of care, impact of reduced SLT resources on MDTs, advocacy for the profession and identification of quality of life measures and self-management of care. Themes with the highest consensus agreement level included MDT Working, Scope of Practice and Leadership. Conclusion This study is the first of its kind to establish research priorities as identified by a panel of expert SLTs working in the area of frailty. It is hoped that this initial priority-setting exercise in this novel area of practice will provide information to clinicians and policy makers by identifying the topics of most research need. Future research will benefit from the inclusion of a broader range of key stakeholders.