Early detection of symptomatic cancer in primary care in Ireland: a research prioritisation exercise

<ns3:p>Background Early detection of symptomatic cancer in primary care is critical to improving outcomes, yet research in this area remains underfunded relative to potential impact. Involving those most affected in research prioritisation ensures focus on the most significant questions. This study aimed to identify and rank the most important research priorities for early detection of symptomatic cancer in Irish primary care, as determined by patients, carers, and clinicians. Methods We conducted a research prioritisation exercise adapted from the James Lind Alliance (JLA) framework, reported according to REPRISE guidelines. The study comprised four stages: (1) an in-person stakeholder workshop gathering research uncertainties (n = 16); (2) an online survey collecting further uncertainties from a broader population (n = 135); (3) processing, evidence checking, and interim prioritisation of uncertainties; and (4) a final consensus workshop to agree and rank the Top 10 priorities (n = 8). Submissions were disaggregated into 232 statements, of which 194 were in scope; these were synthesised into 30 summary research questions. Evidence checking confirmed none were fully addressed in the literature. Interim prioritisation produced a shortlist of 20 questions, discussed and ranked at the final workshop. Results The Top 10 priorities span five thematic domains: timely access to diagnostics and referral pathways (priorities 1, 3, 4); communication and patient–clinician interaction (priority 2); clinical complexity and decision support (priorities 5, 7); technology and innovation (priorities 6, 10); and equity-sensitive pathways and safety-netting (priorities 8, 9). The highest-ranked priority was ensuring timely access to GP-requested diagnostics for patients presenting possible cancer symptoms. The full ranked list of 20 priorities and all 30 questions are provided. Conclusions These co-produced priorities establish a stakeholder-informed roadmap for early cancer detection research in Irish primary care, aligned with the NCCP Early Diagnosis of Symptomatic Cancer Plan, and provide a framework for researchers, funders, and policymakers to prioritise investment.</ns3:p>