Abstract
This paper reports the findings of a triennial investigation of the research and development priorities for members of the British Association of Hand Therapists. Employing a nominal group technique, over 59 members drawn from five regional groups identified research topics and research needs to inform the association's R&D strategic plans. Three key research topics were identified: outcome measures, chronic regional pain syndrome and patient adherence. These further subsidiary themes will be specified as required foci for a new BAHT Priority Research Bursary. R&D needs for courses on presentation and publication and critical appraisal skills, provided at a regional level, will be used to shape training programmes for the next three years. Comparisons with other prioritisation exercises in hand therapy suggest a shift in focus to more client-centred rather than diagnostic approaches for evidence-based practice.
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