Identifying research priorities in adult intensive care in the United Kingdom: Results from a James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership.

BACKGROUND: Given that research priorities identified by a previous James Lind Alliance (JLA) Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) for Intensive Care are over a decade old, care advances, and recognition of long-term recovery needs, we refreshed these research priorities to identify unanswered questions most important to the people who will use the research. METHODS: Following JLA guidance, we formed a steering committee comprising people with lived experience of adult intensive care and healthcare professionals to define the PSP scope. A three-stage approach to establish research priorities comprised uncertainty gathering, initial prioritisation and a final consensus workshop (July 2025 to May 2026). RESULTS: Stage 1: 542 respondents (81% healthcare professionals; 19% former patients/family members) submitted 1593 uncertainties. These were combined into 59 indicative questions. Stage 2: 441 respondents (84% healthcare professionals; 16% former patients/family members) provided ranking, with the highest-ranked 23 taken to the consensus workshop. Of these, the top three priorities are: (1) what are the best ways to prevent, lessen or treat delirium? (2) what are the best ways to promote psychological and emotional recovery after ICU discharge? and (3) how can Post Intensive Care Syndrome be prevented or if occurs, what are the best treatments, rehabilitation and support for recovery and quality of life? CONCLUSION: This JLA PSP refresh has prioritised 23 uncertainties for adult intensive care research in the United Kingdom. These priorities should now be used to inform the design and funding of research meaningful to people with lived experience and the healthcare professionals who support them.