Research priorities to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal disorders: a priority setting exercise with the child health and nutrition research initiative method

Involving research users in setting priorities for research is essential to ensure the outcomes are patient-centred andmaximise its value and impact. The Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Advisory Group Versus Arthritis led aresearch priority setting exercise across musculoskeletal disorders. The Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative(CHNRI) method of setting research priorities with a range of stakeholders was used, involving four stages and twosurveys, to: (1) gather research uncertainties, (2) consolidate these, (3) score uncertainties against importance andimpact, and (4) analyse scoring for prioritisation. 213 people responded to the first survey and 285 people to thesecond, representing clinicians, researchers, and people with musculoskeletal disorders. Key priorities includeddeveloping and testing new treatments, better treatment targeting, early diagnosis, prevention, and betterunderstanding and management of pain, with an emphasis on understanding underpinning mechanisms. Wepresent a call to action to researchers and funders to target these priorities