Prioritising research topics in contraception: A Delphi approach

System, provider and patient barriers and concerns continue to impact on the ability of women to optimise their contraceptive use in the Australian context. In an attempt to focus future contraception research where it is most required, this project will employ a Delphi approach to establish priority areas in contraception research within Australia. The Delphi method is a group communication process as well as a method of achieving a consensus of opinion associated with a specific topic. It involves engaging a group of identified experts in detailed examination and discussion on a particular issue for the purpose of policy investigation, goal setting, and forecasting future situations and outcomes. This project sits within a program of research being undertaken by Professor Mazza in SPHERE, a NHMRC-funded Centre of Research Excellence in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Women in Primary Care. This is the first dedicated Centre to lead research that is aimed at improving the quality, safety, and capacity of primary health care services to achieve better outcomes in women’s sexual and reproductive health. Students working under SPHERE will be supported by Professor Mazza's research team, which consists of Post Docs, PhD students, academic registrars and honours students. They will also have the opportunity to be part of a large, multidisciplinary, collaborative team of investigators, which includes prominent national and international researchers and experts working in women’s health, general practice, pharmacy, nursing, epidemiology, knowledge translation, health economics, and policy development.