Table 3.

Final ‘top-10’ research questions for consumers after Round 3 (n=30), compared with rank from overall sample

Consumer rank	Overall sample rank	Research question	DFD category	UKCRC HRCS category	Total score
1	5	Can established peripheral neuropathy be reversed, and if so how?	Peripheral neuropathy	Etiology	186
2		What are some of the early signs a person with diabetes must be aware of that they are developing diabetes-related foot problems?	Assessment/diagnosis	Detection, screening and diagnosis	183
3		What is the best way for a person with diabetes to cope with peripheral neuropathy to prevent possible amputation?	Management	Evaluation of treatments and therapeutic interventions	183
4	2	What are the most effective treatment options for pain associated with diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy?	Peripheral neuropathy	Management of diseases and conditions	173
5		What are the most effective treatments for circulatory disease involving the foot in diabetes?	Peripheral arterial disease	Management of diseases and conditions	172
6		What is the most effective way to detect diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy?	Peripheral neuropathy	Detection, screening and diagnosis	152
7		What are the symptoms of diabetes-related foot complications?	Assessment/diagnosis	Detection, screening and diagnosis	142
8	8	Is exercise beneficial in reducing the risk of diabetes-related foot complication?	Exercise	Evaluation of treatments and therapeutic interventions	124
9		Are people with diabetes aware of how peripheral neuropathy affects their feet and how to check for it?	Education	Detection, screening and diagnosis	123
10		Is exercise beneficial in improving symptoms of painful peripheral neuropathy?	Exercise	Evaluation of treatments and therapeutic interventions	114

DFD, diabetes-related foot disease; UKCRC HRCS, UK Clinical Research Collaboration Health Research Classification System.