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Journal of Foot and Ankle Research Jul 2023The training of undergraduate and graduate-entry podiatry students in Australia and New Zealand includes practical sessions in a simulated and real-life clinical setting...
BACKGROUND
The training of undergraduate and graduate-entry podiatry students in Australia and New Zealand includes practical sessions in a simulated and real-life clinical setting and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) comprising professional clinical placements. Student performance during WIL is evaluated by their Clinical Educators using clinical competency tools. Having a standardised and validated clinical assessment tool for WIL in podiatry would facilitate consistency in assessment, promote standardisation between programs, and ensure that all podiatry students are assessed against a set of criteria over the course of their clinical programs to the point of threshold clinical competency. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a series of consensus-based statements via Delphi technique as the first step towards developing guidelines to direct the assessment of podiatry students during WIL.
METHODS
This study used a three-round modified Delphi consensus method. A panel of 25 stakeholders was sought. Specifically, representation from each of the universities in Australia and New Zealand who provide entry level programs, Clinical Educators, podiatry student representatives, new podiatry graduates and consumers (podiatrists hiring new graduates). The survey for Round 1 aimed for consensus and consisted of five open-ended questions. Questions one to three asked respondents to nominate what they considered were the important elements that needed to be assessed for podiatry students undertaking WIL for: Clinical performance/skills, Communication and Professional behaviour, Question 4 asked respondents to identify further/other elements of importance, whilst Question 5 asked a) how these elements should be evaluated and b) how should overall competency and ability to progress within the program be determined. Round 2 and 3 aimed to gather agreement and the questions were based on the responses from previous rounds.
RESULTS
Twenty-five participants agreed to participate, 17 females (68%) and eight males (32%). The panel consisted of 10 podiatry educators (40%), nine Clinical Educators (36%), two student representatives (8%), two new podiatry graduates (8%) and two consumers (8%). From the 25 recruited participants, 21 responded to Round one, 18 to Round two and 17 in Round three. At the conclusion of the Delphi survey, 55 statements had reached consensus or agreement.
CONCLUSIONS
This Delphi study is the first of its kind for the podiatry profession to develop consensus-based statements regarding the assessment of WIL. Fifty-five statements pertinent to the assessment of WIL were identified. This is an important first step toward the development of a consistent WIL assessment tool which may be applied across entry-level podiatry programs across Australia and New Zealand.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Clinical Competence; Consensus; Podiatry; Australia; Students; Delphi Technique
PubMed: 37468972
DOI: 10.1186/s13047-023-00639-7 -
JAMA Network Open Jun 2024The use of evidence-based standardized outcome measures is increasingly recognized as key to guiding clinical decision-making in mental health. Implementation of these...
IMPORTANCE
The use of evidence-based standardized outcome measures is increasingly recognized as key to guiding clinical decision-making in mental health. Implementation of these measures into clinical practice has been hampered by lack of clarity on what to measure and how to do this in a reliable and standardized way.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a core set of outcome measures for specific neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), communication disorders, specific learning disorders, and motor disorders, that may be used across a range of geographic and cultural settings.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
An international working group composed of clinical and research experts and service users (n = 27) was convened to develop a standard core set of accessible, valid, and reliable outcome measures for children and adolescents with NDDs. The working group participated in 9 video conference calls and 8 surveys between March 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. A modified Delphi approach defined the scope, outcomes, included measures, case-mix variables, and measurement time points. After development, the NDD set was distributed to professionals and service users for open review, feedback, and external validation.
FINDINGS
The final set recommends measuring 12 outcomes across 3 key domains: (1) core symptoms related to the diagnosis; (2) impact, functioning, and quality of life; and (3) common coexisting problems. The following 14 measures should be administered at least every 6 months to monitor these outcomes: ADHD Rating Scale 5, Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale, or Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale IV; Affective Reactivity Index; Children's Communication Checklist 2; Colorado Learning Disabilities Questionnaire; Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire; Developmental-Disability Children's Global Assessment Scale; Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire; Family Strain Index; Intelligibility in Context Scale; Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale or Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised and Social Responsiveness Scale; Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scales; and Yale Global Tic Severity Scale. The external review survey was completed by 32 professionals and 40 service users. The NDD set items were endorsed by more than 70% of professionals and service users in the open review survey.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The NDD set covers outcomes of most concern to patients and caregivers. Use of the NDD set has the potential to improve clinical practice and research.
Topics: Humans; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Child; Consensus; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Adolescent; Delphi Technique; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Female
PubMed: 38869906
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.16760 -
PloS One 2023Various definitions have been proposed for Refractory Disease in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis; however, none were generated for Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic...
OBJECTIVE
Various definitions have been proposed for Refractory Disease in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis; however, none were generated for Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis or involving adult and paediatric multidisciplinary healthcare professionals and patients. The study aim is to redefine Refractory Disease, using Delphi methodology.
METHODS
Three rounds of surveys (one nominal group and two online (2019-2020)) to achieve consensus using a predetermined cut-off were conducted voting on: a) name, b) treatment and inflammation, c) symptoms and impact domains, and d) rating of individual components within domains. Theoretical application of the definition was conducted through a scoping exercise.
RESULTS
Votes were collected across three rounds from Patients, Researchers and nine multi-disciplinary healthcare professional groups (n = 106). Refractory Inflammatory Arthritis was the most popular name. Regarding treatment and inflammation, these were voted to be kept broad rather than specifying numbers/cut-offs. From 10 domains identified to capture symptoms and disease impact, six domains reached consensus for inclusion: 1) Disease Activity, 2) Joint Involvement, 3) Pain, 4) Fatigue, 5) Functioning and Quality of Life, and 6) Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug Experiences. Within these domains, 18 components, from an initial pool (n = 73), were identified as related and important to capture multi-faceted presentation of Refractory Inflammatory Arthritis, specifically in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Feasibility of the revised definition was established (2022-2023) with good utility as was applied to 82% of datasets (n = 61) incorporating 20 outcome measures, with two further measures added to increase its utility and coverage of Pain and Fatigue.
CONCLUSION
Refractory Inflammatory Arthritis has been found to be broader than not achieving low disease activity, with wider biopsychosocial components and factors incorporating Persistent Inflammation or Symptoms identified as important. This definition needs further refinement to assess utility as a classification tool to identify patients with unmet needs.
Topics: Humans; Child; Arthritis, Juvenile; Quality of Life; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Pain; Inflammation; Delphi Technique
PubMed: 37556424
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289760 -
BMJ Open Dec 2023Child maltreatment (CM) is a complex global public health issue with potentially devastating effects on individuals' physical and mental health and well-being throughout...
Consensus building on definitions and types of child maltreatment to improve recording and surveillance in Europe: protocol for a multi-sectoral, European, electronic Delphi study.
INTRODUCTION
Child maltreatment (CM) is a complex global public health issue with potentially devastating effects on individuals' physical and mental health and well-being throughout the life course. A lack of uniform definitions hinders attempts to identify, measure, respond to, and prevent CM. The aim of this electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) study is to build consensus on definitions and types of CM for use in surveillance and multi-sectoral research in the 34 countries in the Euro-CAN (Multi-Sectoral Responses to Child Abuse and Neglect in Europe) project (COST Action CA19106).
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
The e-Delphi study will consist of a maximum of three rounds conducted using an online data collection platform. A multi-disciplinary expert panel consisting of researchers, child protection professionals (health and social care), police, legal professionals and adult survivors of CM will be purposefully recruited. We will approach approximately 100 experts, with between 50 and 60 of these anticipated to take part. Participants will rate their agreement with a range of statements relating to operational definitions and types of CM, and free-text comments on each of the statements to give further detail about their responses and areas of uncertainty. Consensus has been defined a priori as ≥70% of the panel agreeing or disagreeing with the statement after the final round. The responses to the open-ended questions will be analysed using a 'codebook' approach to thematic analysis, and used to refine the statements between rounds where no consensus is reached.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
Ethical approval has been granted from the Cardiff University School of Medicine ethics committee (reference number SMREC22/96). Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at workshops (including for the participants) and international academic conferences. The Euro-CAN network will also be used to disseminate the results, with results briefings and presentations to key public health and other relevant organisations in the field.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Consensus; Delphi Technique; Europe; Surveys and Questionnaires; Child Abuse
PubMed: 38086601
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-076517 -
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports Nov 2023A modified Delphi process was undertaken to provide a US expert-led consensus to guide clinical action on short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) use. This comprised an online... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
A modified Delphi process was undertaken to provide a US expert-led consensus to guide clinical action on short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) use. This comprised an online survey (Phase 1), forum discussion and statement development (Phase 2), and statement adjudication (Phase 3).
RECENT FINDINGS
In Phase 1 (n = 100 clinicians), 12% routinely provided patients with ≥4 SABA prescriptions/year, 73% solicited SABA use frequency at every patient visit, and 21% did not consult asthma guidelines/expert reports. Phase 3 experts (n = 8) reached consensus (median Likert score, interquartile range) that use of ≥3 SABA canisters/year is associated with increased risk of exacerbation and asthma-related death (5, 4.75-5); SABA use history should be solicited at every patient visit (5, 4.75-5); usage patterns over time, not absolute thresholds, should guide response to SABA overuse (5, 4.5-5). Future asthma guidelines should include clear recommendations regarding SABA usage, using expert-led thresholds for action.
Topics: Humans; Administration, Inhalation; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Asthma; Clinical Decision-Making; Consensus; Delphi Technique; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 37991672
DOI: 10.1007/s11882-023-01111-z -
PloS One 2023Trauma is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Musculoskeletal trauma results in the majority of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Trauma is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Musculoskeletal trauma results in the majority of post-traumatic morbidity and disability globally. The literature has reported many performance indicators relating to trauma care, but few specific to musculoskeletal injuries.
STUDY OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to establish a practical list of performance indicators to evaluate and monitor the quality and equity of musculoskeletal trauma care delivery in health systems worldwide.
METHODS
A scoping review was performed that identified performance indicators related to musculoskeletal trauma care. Indicators were organized by phase of care (general, prevention, pre-hospital, hospital, post-hospital) within a modified Donabedian model (structure, process, outcome, equity). A panel of 21 experts representing 45 countries was assembled to identify priority indicators utilizing a modified Delphi approach.
RESULTS
The scoping review identified 1,206 articles and 114 underwent full text review. We included 95 articles which reported 498 unique performance indicators. Most indicators related to the hospital phase of care (n = 303, 60%) and structural characteristics (n = 221, 44%). Mortality (n = 50 articles) and presence of trauma registries (n = 16 articles) were the most frequently reported indicators. After 3 rounds of surveys our panel reached consensus on a parsimonious list of priority performance indicators. These focused on access to trauma care; processes and key resources for polytrauma triage, patient stabilization, and hemorrhage control; reduction and immobilization of fractures and dislocations; and management of compartment syndrome and open fractures.
CONCLUSIONS
The literature has reported many performance indicators relating to trauma care, but few specific to musculoskeletal injuries. To create quality and equitable trauma systems, musculoskeletal care must be incorporated into development plans with continuous monitoring and improvement. The performance indicators identified by our expert panel and organized in a modified Donabedian model can serve as a method for evaluating musculoskeletal trauma care.
Topics: Humans; Delphi Technique; Musculoskeletal System; Multiple Trauma; Joint Dislocations; Fractures, Open
PubMed: 37651448
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290816 -
American Journal of Transplantation :... Jan 2024Face transplantation is a viable reconstructive approach for severe craniofacial defects. Despite the evolution witnessed in the field, ethical aspects, clinical and...
Face transplantation is a viable reconstructive approach for severe craniofacial defects. Despite the evolution witnessed in the field, ethical aspects, clinical and psychosocial implications, public perception, and economic sustainability remain the subject of debate and unanswered questions. Furthermore, poor data reporting and sharing, the absence of standardized metrics for outcome evaluation, and the lack of consensus definitions of success and failure have hampered the development of a "transplantation culture" on a global scale. We completed a 2-round online modified Delphi process with 35 international face transplant stakeholders, including surgeons, clinicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, ethicists, policymakers, and researchers, with a representation of 10 of the 19 face transplant teams that had already performed the procedure and 73% of face transplants. Themes addressed included patient assessment and selection, indications, social support networks, clinical framework, surgical considerations, data on patient progress and outcomes, definitions of success and failure, public image and perception, and financial sustainability. The presented recommendations are the product of a shared commitment of face transplant teams to foster the development of face transplantation and are aimed at providing a gold standard of practice and policy.
Topics: Humans; Facial Transplantation; Consensus; Delphi Technique; Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation; Research Design
PubMed: 37666457
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2023.08.023 -
Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem 2023To build and validate the content of an instrument to conduct medical record audits; to conduct a pre-test.
OBJECTIVE
To build and validate the content of an instrument to conduct medical record audits; to conduct a pre-test.
METHODS
Methodological study conducted from May/2020 to May/2021 in three stages: 1) development of the instrument by bibliographic survey and benchmarking; 2) content validation using the Delphi technique; 3) application of the instrument and descriptive analysis in a sample of 200 medical records.
RESULTS
An instrument was constructed with 11 domains containing sub-items that characterize the quality of care. Two stages of the Delphi technique were necessary to reach a content validity index higher than 0.90. For each domain, a graduated scale with a numerical value from 1 to 4 points was attributed, reflecting the quality of its completion. The average time of application was 35 minutes per record.
CONCLUSIONS
The tool proved to be viable to support clinical audits to identify the level of excellence and reveal opportunities for improvement in care processes.
Topics: Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 37820133
DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2022-0109 -
Annals of Surgery Jul 2024The REDISCOVER consensus conference aimed at developing and validating guidelines on the perioperative care of patients with borderline-resectable (BR-) and locally...
OBJECTIVE
The REDISCOVER consensus conference aimed at developing and validating guidelines on the perioperative care of patients with borderline-resectable (BR-) and locally advanced (LA) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
BACKGROUND
Coupled with improvements in chemotherapy and radiation, the contemporary approach to pancreatic surgery supports the resection of BR-PDAC and, to a lesser extent, LA-PDAC. Guidelines outlining the selection and perioperative care for these patients are lacking.
METHODS
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) methodology was used to develop the REDISCOVER guidelines and create recommendations. The Delphi approach was used to reach a consensus (agreement ≥80%) among experts. Recommendations were approved after a debate and vote among international experts in pancreatic surgery and pancreatic cancer management. A Validation Committee used the AGREE II-GRS tool to assess the methodological quality of the guidelines. Moreover, an independent multidisciplinary advisory group revised the statements to ensure adherence to nonsurgical guidelines.
RESULTS
Overall, 34 recommendations were created targeting centralization, training, staging, patient selection for surgery, possibility of surgery in uncommon scenarios, timing of surgery, avoidance of vascular reconstruction, details of vascular resection/reconstruction, arterial divestment, frozen section histology of perivascular tissue, extent of lymphadenectomy, anticoagulation prophylaxis, and role of minimally invasive surgery. The level of evidence was however low for 29 of 34 clinical questions. Participants agreed that the most conducive means to promptly advance our understanding in this field is to establish an international registry addressing this patient population ( https://rediscover.unipi.it/ ).
CONCLUSIONS
The REDISCOVER guidelines provide clinical recommendations pertaining to pancreatectomy with vascular resection for patients with BR-PDAC and LA-PDAC, and serve as the basis of a new international registry for this patient population.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Perioperative Care; Pancreatectomy; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Delphi Technique; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Neoplasm Staging; Patient Selection
PubMed: 38407228
DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006248 -
BMJ Global Health Sep 2023The burden of drowning is gaining prominence on the global agenda. Two United Nations system resolutions in 3 years reflect rising political support, but priorities...
INTRODUCTION
The burden of drowning is gaining prominence on the global agenda. Two United Nations system resolutions in 3 years reflect rising political support, but priorities remain undefined, and the issue lacks a global strategy. We aimed to identify strategic priorities for advancing global drowning prevention using a modified Delphi method.
METHODS
An advisory group was formed, and participants recruited with diverse expertise and backgrounds. We used document review, and data extracted from global health partnerships to identify strategic domains and draft priorities for global drowning prevention. Participants rated the priorities in two Delphi rounds, guided by relevance, feasibility and impact on equity, and where consensus was ≥70% of participants rating the priority as critical.
RESULTS
We recruited 134 participants from research (40.2%), policy (26.9%), technical (25.4%) and community (7.5%) backgrounds, with 38.1% representing low- and middle-income countries. We drafted 75 priorities. Following two Delphi rounds, 50 priorities were selected across the seven domains of research and further contextualisation, best practice guidance, capacity building, engagement with other health and sustainable development agendas, high-level political advocacy, multisectoral action and strengthening inclusive global governance. Participants scored priorities based on relevance (43.2%), feasibility (29.4%) and impact on equity (27.4%).
CONCLUSION
Our study identifies global priorities for drowning prevention and provides evidence for advocacy of drowning prevention in all pertinent policies, and in all relevant agendas. The priorities can be applied by funders to guide investment, by researchers to frame study questions, by policymakers to contrast views of expert groups and by national coalitions to anchor national drowning prevention plans. We identify agendas including disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, child and adolescent health, and climate resilience, where drowning prevention might offer co-benefits. Finally, our findings offer a strategic blueprint as the field looks to accelerate action, and develop a global strategy for drowning prevention.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Delphi Technique; Drowning; Adolescent Health; Capacity Building; Disasters
PubMed: 37709301
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013303