The supplementary materials document is associated with the National Research Priorities in Occupational Lung Cancer annual research report. Funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care and conducted by Lung Foundation Australia in collaboration with Monash University, the study aims to identify key research areas to improve prevention, diagnosis, screening, and management of occupational lung cancer. The research emphasises the need for a coordinated approach to identify top priority areas to direct future funding and influence policy reform.
The document outlines the data-gathering process, including an anonymous online survey targeting stakeholders such as individuals affected by occupational lung cancer, health professionals, and researchers. The survey aimed to identify the most critical issues and topics for future research, collecting information on respondent demographics and priorities across five research areas: exposures, prevention, screening, diagnosis, and management. This document includes the thematic analysis of this initial research survey.
Additionally, the document includes agendas for a multidisciplinary research forum, a consumer research forum, feedback surveys, forum attendees, and detailed research questions generated during these forums. Key agenda items included presentations, priority setting, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. The forums aimed to foster collaboration among multidisciplinary professionals and ensure that research efforts align with the needs and priorities of those impacted by occupational lung cancer.
Key forum evaluations considered perspectives on the overall value of the forums, networking opportunities, understanding of existing research, and alignment with key gaps in current knowledge. The evaluations also assessed the effectiveness of incorporating different stakeholder perspectives into the identified research priorities.
Through these initiatives, the project aimed to produce a comprehensive and inclusive research agenda that defined the most pressing issues in occupational lung cancer, ultimately guiding future research efforts through identifying top priorities and research questions to improve outcomes for those affected by this disease.