Stuttering is a communication disorder characterised by an impairment in the forward flow of speech. In addition to the observable speech difficulties, adults who stutter (AWS) experience avoidance of social situations, workplace challenges, and deleterious impacts on relationships. Stuttering affects 50,000 adults in Ireland, negatively impacting their participation in society and their quality of life. The stuttering literature has a significant under-representation of the voices of AWS, and most studies are researcher-led, with minimal engagement with this stakeholder group to ascertain their research priorities. As a result, research findings often lack meaning for AWS and their life challenges. This proposal outlines a two-part workshop which aims to: 1) inform AWS on how they can participate in research using a knowledge exchange event with key stakeholders (AWS, speech and language therapists, researchers in the field); and 2) identify the research priorities of AWS using an engaging research methodology called World Café, which involves group discussion and decision-making. Outcomes of the World Café will be co-disseminated, with the support of AWS, to research and clinical communities at a stuttering specific conference (Oxford Dysfluency Conference) and via the co-authoring of an article for a stuttering-specific peer-reviewed journal (Journal of Fluency Disorders). Outcomes will be disseminated to the stuttering community with the help of the Irish Stammering Association (national charity for people who stutter). Identified research priorities will be presented at the association’s International Stuttering Awareness Day event, and also using their website and monthly newsletter. This workshop aligns with the HRB’s vision and 2021-2025 strategic objectives relating to better health through excellent research, and also its endorsement of collaborative engagement with patient stakeholder groups. Research underpinned by the priorities of AWS will enhance the translation of meaningful research into clinical practice, and empower AWS to have a voice in influencing future research directions.
