Background: Despite gaining momentum in terms of numbers and clinical acceptance, contemporary literature suggests that Nurse Practitioner (NP) research in Australia has been sporadic and lacks a unified direction to support sustainable growth and full integration, particularly from the Emergency NP perspective. A targeted research agenda for all Australian NPs is essential for evaluating NP-led care in diverse, underserved settings. This presentation reports on the findings of a national consensus on the research priorities for Australian NPs.

Objectives: This study aimed to establish the research priorities for all Australian NPs, including ENPs, and develop a robust research agenda to inform organisational service policy, guide NP implementation in geographically isolated health facilities, and evaluate the impact and efficacy of NP roles.

Methods: Using the Delphi technique, a consensus-based methodology, Australian NPs participated in a three-phased survey via social media. An initial exploratory survey identified significant themes important to NPs professionally and in practice. Participant responses were ranked, and research themes were grouped. In the second phase, participants prioritised these themes to develop a comprehensive research agenda. The final phase identified consensus of the most important areas affecting NPs’ being able to work to their full scope of practice across multiple clinical settings.

Results: Prioritised research directions revealed the complexity of challenges for Australian NPs. The findings lay the foundation for a consensus-based research agenda that can inform clinical, educational, and leadership aspects of NP care and have applicability both nationally and internationally.

Conclusion: Research is crucial for addressing contemporary challenges in delivering safe and high-quality healthcare. The research agenda establishes an evidence base for Australian NP research priorities. These priorities are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping policies, fostering efficient integration of NPs into the Australian healthcare system, and advancing research capacity.