Modernizing Brain Injury Services in British Columbia: Developing Research Priorities for Children and Youth with Acquired Brain Injury

Background/Objectives: Acquired brain injury (ABI) affects tens of thousands of British Columbians, yet research priorities specific to pediatric populations have received limited attention. This transdisciplinary engagement study aimed to identify and rank key research priorities for health and care services for children and youth with ABI in British Columbia, Canada, by bringing together researchers, clinicians, community organization representatives, and people with lived experience (PWLE). Methods: A hybrid Nominal Group Technique (hNGT) combining virtual and in-person participation was employed from January to May 2025. Thirty advisory panel members—10 researchers, 13 clinicians, five community organization representatives, and two community members, representing a range of disciplines and geographic locations—participated across three phases: silent idea generation using an online platform, a hybrid round-robin clarification meeting, and priority ranking via an online survey. The hybrid approach was designed to maximize engagement and accessibility while preserving equitable opportunities to contribute. Results: The advisory panel contributed 49 initial ideas through the online brainstorming platform. Following round-robin clarification, 28 ideas remained in scope and were consolidated into 19 potential research priorities. Twenty advisory members completed the anonymous final ranking, which identified the 11 highest-ranked research priorities. The highest-ranked priority called for greater diversity among research participants to better represent the varied needs of children and youth with ABI. Seven of the 11 priorities addressed intersecting identities and the inclusion of underrepresented populations. Conclusions: This hNGT study identified 11 research priorities that can guide future ABI research. The findings emphasize the need for research that reflects the heterogeneous nature of pediatric ABI across diverse communities and contexts.