Occupational therapy is a global profession represented by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). International research priorities are needed for strategic guidance on global occupational therapy practice. The objective of this study was to develop international research priorities to reflect global occupational therapy practice. A Delphi study using three rounds of electronic surveys, distributed to WFOT member organizations and WFOT accredited universities, was conducted. Data were analyzed after each round, and priorities were presented for rating and ranking in order of importance. Forty-six (53%) out of 87 WFOT member countries participated in the Delphi process. Eight research priorities were confirmed by the final electronic survey round. Differences were observed in rankings given by member organizations and university respondents. Despite attrition at Round 3, the final research priorities will help to focus research efforts in occupational therapy globally. Follow-up research is needed to determine how the research priorities are being adopted internationally.
Persistent gaps in access to quality diagnostic tests undermine progress toward improved health outcomes and resilience to disease outbreaks in Africa. Furthermore, resources for strengthening laboratory systems have faced growing constraints owing to recent reductions in official direct financial assistance, highlighting an urgent need to identify investments that are high impact and minimally donor reliant. In this Perspective, we present a set of priority systems strengthening interventions based on expected impact and feasibility. These include the need for efficient and integrated testing networks, the establishment and implementation of national essential diagnostic lists, modernized procurement and supply chain practices, improved digital health standards and targeted strengthening of testing infrastructure for epidemic-prone diseases. These initiatives should be customized to local contexts and supported by reliable financing, enhanced national leadership and management capacity and updated policies. We propose that collective action focused on these priorities will improve health outcomes and be cost-saving-and will be superior to existing, more fragmented efforts to close gaps in testing. This also provides a pathway to self-reliance in health security and universal healthcare in the Africa region.