Developing a prioritised agenda to drive speech-language pathology research within Health in Queensland

Health research, driven by prioritised research agendas, is a priority internationally. The aim of this study was to identify areas requiring research within speech-language pathology (SLP) services within health in Queensland. Queensland SLPs in health services were asked to provide up to three areas of practice that required investigation, via online survey. Responding SLPs (n = 47) identified 133 research priority areas. Using content analysis these were grouped into 9 categories: age group; aetiology; area of communication/swallowing; aspect of service provision; service delivery model/approach; professional level; emerging specialised areas of practice/expanded scope of practice; outcomes and research questions; and place of service. SLPs identified a wide range of areas within health services in Queensland they felt required a prioritised research agenda. While many of these research priorities were in traditional practice areas, some represented emerging fields. The diversity in responses highlights challenges for developing a prioritised local health research agenda.