More value and less waste in research on primary cam morphology and its natural history: a qualitative interview study of stakeholders’ perspectives

Background: Primary cam morphology, an acquired bony prominence at the head-neck junction of the femur, is highly prevalent in athlete populations, and causally associated with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and early hip osteoarthritis. Experts agreed on key elements for primary cam morphology and a prioritised research agenda for the field. This research agenda will require higher-quality research to achieve meaningful progress on the aetiology, prognosis and treatment of primary cam morphology in athletes. Aim: To explore stakeholders’ perspectives of high-quality research in the research field of primary cam morphology and its natural history. Methods: Grounded in interpretive description, we used semi-structured interviews to explore stakeholders’ perspectives of high-quality research in the primary cam morphology research field. The framework for INcreasing QUality In patient-orientated academic clinical REsearch (INQUIRE) informed the interview guide. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. We recruited a heterogenous and purposive maximum variation sample, drawing from a network of research contacts. Results: Fifteen individuals, several with multiple perspectives on research quality in the field, participated. Exploring stakeholders’ perspectives on research quality through an established research quality framework (INQUIRE) illuminated areas for immediate action for research communities in the field of primary cam morphology and its natural history. We crafted five action inviting themes: research communities should: partner with athletes/patients; champion equity, diversity and inclusion; collaborate with one another; pursue open science; and nurture young scholars. Conclusion: The findings of this study could inform concrete actions by research communities to pursue higher quality research—more research value and less waste—in the field of primary cam morphology and its natural history. Although the five action-inviting themes reflect contemporary trends in research, and could therefore be transferable to other areas of research, their practical application remains context- and field-specific.背景：原发性凸轮型股骨近端畸形（Primary cam morphology）是指股骨头颈结合部出现的获得性骨性突起，在运动员群体中患病率极高，且与股骨髋臼撞击综合征（femoroacetabular impingement syndrome）及早期髋关节骨关节炎存在因果关联。学界专家已就原发性凸轮型股骨近端畸形的核心特征达成共识，并确立了该领域的优先研究议程。该研究议程亟需开展高质量研究，以在运动员群体的原发性凸轮型股骨近端畸形的病因学、预后及治疗方面取得实质性进展。 目的：本研究旨在探讨利益相关方对原发性凸轮型股骨近端畸形及其自然病程研究领域中高质量研究的看法。 方法：本研究基于解释性描述研究范式，采用半结构化访谈法，探索原发性凸轮型股骨近端畸形研究领域中利益相关方对高质量研究的认知。本研究以「以患者为中心的学术临床研究质量提升框架（INcreasing QUality In patient-orientated academic clinical REsearch, INQUIRE）」作为访谈指南的设计依据。对录音访谈进行转录后，采用主题分析法开展数据分析。本研究通过研究联系人网络招募了经目的性最大变异抽样的异质性研究对象。 结果：共计15名研究对象参与本次研究，其中部分对象对该领域的研究质量拥有多重视角。通过成熟的研究质量框架（INQUIRE）探究利益相关方对研究质量的看法，明确了原发性凸轮型股骨近端畸形及其自然病程研究领域中科研共同体亟需开展的行动方向。本研究归纳出五大行动导向主题：科研共同体应与运动员/患者开展合作、倡导公平、多元与包容理念、加强彼此间协作、推行开放科学、并扶持青年学者成长。 结论：本研究结果可为科研共同体在原发性凸轮型股骨近端畸形及其自然病程研究领域开展高质量研究——即提升研究价值、减少研究浪费——提供具体行动指引。尽管五大行动导向主题反映了当前的研究趋势，可推广至其他研究领域，但其实际应用仍需结合具体场景与领域特征。