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Research Priorities Project, year 2000: establishing a direction for infection control and hospital epidemiology.

BACKGROUND: The field called "infection control" has expanded beyond hospitals to include many health care locations, some aspects of personnel health, elements of noninfectious complications, and occasionally the epidemiology of other problems that occur in care facilities. A research agenda that addresses these newer segments and provides a framework for answering fundamental questions is essential for the field and for the work of The Research Foundation for Prevention of Complications Associated with Health Care (formerly APIC Research Foundation). METHODS: We used a multiple-round iterative consensus process (Delphi technique) with 50 experts and a validation round among participants at the 4th Decennial Conference. RESULTS: The expert panel reduced 102 separate items to 21 high-ranked research priorities. The highest-ranked subject areas involved research to improve compliance with excellent practices, to study antibiotic usage and resistance, to measure the financial impact of complications and value of interventions, to perform surveillance of infectious and noninfectious complications across the spectrum of care delivery, and to study effectiveness of interventions to prevent complications at specific sites. There were differences in education and discipline between the expert panel and the 4th Decennial participants and with respect to ranking some of the individual priorities. Among respondents from outside the United States and Canada, occupational health issues were ranked more highly. CONCLUSIONS: The research priorities provide a blueprint for future progress and will require a collaborative, multicenter, multinational approach.

Adult↗

Development and evaluation of a consumer's guide to residential aged care.

This three-phase study aimed to develop and evaluate an information guide for potential consumers of residential aged care. Phase 1 consisted of a series of six focus groups with 41 seniors to determine the information needs of potential consumers. Phase 2 comprised a 2 round Delphi survey in which a panel of 10 industry stakeholders prioritised the themes identified by the focus groups. Phase 3 consisted of a pilot test and evaluation of the prototype information booklet by 19 seniors and their families. A feature of the guide is that its contents were identified by seniors themselves as information they wanted to know about residential care.

Adult↗

The research and educational priorities of rural occupational therapists.

The aim of this pilot research project was to identify the research and educational priorities of occupational therapists practising in rural New South Wales. Eight participants were recruited in the south-western region of the State. The Delphi technique was used to obtain the most reliable consensus of the research participants. Priorities emerged in four designated areas: (1) research that would be of value to clients; (2) research that would be of value in providing community care for clients; (3) research that would be of value in facilitating health promotion and disease prevention; and (4) research that would be of value to professional and educational needs. In the final phase of the study, 23 high priorities were identified. The findings of the study suggest directions for research and continuing education in occupational therapy which may benefit rural practitioners and their clients.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Competencies for effective public health nutrition practice: a developing consensus.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of consensus amongst an international panel of public health nutrition leaders regarding the essential competencies required for effective public health nutrition practice. DESIGN: A modified Delphi study involving three rounds of questionnaires. SUBJECTS: A panel of 20 public health nutrition experts from seven countries in the European Union, the USA and Australia. RESULTS: Expert panellists completed three rounds of the study relating to competencies. A literature review conducted as a prelude to the expert panel survey identified common competency units from the fields of public health, health promotion, nutrition and dietetics, and health education. These were categorised into seven competency areas including analytical, socio-cultural and political, public health service, communication, management and leadership, nutrition science and professional competency categories. There was strong initial agreement (> or = 90% of panellists at Round 1) that developing internationally recognised competencies for public health nutrition specialists was a priority. Twenty-six of an initial listing of 52 competency units were rated as essential competencies by > or = 80% of the panellists after Round 1. Iteration rounds resulted in the addition of five extra competency units suggested by panellists after Round 1 and an increase by 13 in the number of competencies rated as essential to consensus levels. From a total of 57 competency units rated after the final survey round, 41 competency units were rated as essential competencies by > or = 80% of the panellists (consensus), with 21 of these unanimously rated as essential competencies. CONCLUSIONS: There is strong international agreement amongst public health nutrition leaders in Europe, the USA and Australia about a range of competencies required for effective public health nutrition practice. Essential competency units identified can be used to develop and review competency standards for public health nutrition.

Australia↗

Selection of criteria for assessment of occlusal acceptability.

There is no general agreement on criteria that could be applied to distinguish between orthodontically acceptable and non-acceptable occlusions after the completion of dental development. The aim of the present study was to analyse morphological and functional features that could be used as an index to define an acceptable occlusion in young adults. Three expert panels representing specialists in orthodontics and stomatognathic physiology participated in a modified Delphi method. Each panel responded to a questionnaire concerning the usefulness of various occlusal features, and a set of characteristics was selected on the basis of the responses; thereafter, applicability of the chosen characteristics and their cut-offs for an acceptable non-acceptable dichotomy was tested clinically. To obtain a consensus level of 100%, the last panel session was completed with a group discussion. Assessments made using the morphological criteria were compared with those made with the dental health component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. The selected morphological characteristics consisted of overjet, overbite, canine relationship, crossbite, scissors bite and midline deviation. The functional evaluation comprised assessments of discrepancy between the centric relation and the intercuspal position, working- and non-working-side contacts and protrusion contacts. The dental health component and our morphological criteria showed different sensitivity to contact point displacements, interdigitation in buccal segments and increased overbite. This study provides a set of morphological and functional indicators reflecting the current consensus opinion of Finnish professionals. Further studies are needed to analyse the reproducibility of assessment of the characteristics included.

Adolescent↗

Determining generic standards for specialist registrar training.

Requirements for specialist registrar (SpR) training have been developed by adapting standards already determined for senior house officers in the West Midlands. A consensus of views of chairs of higher specialist training committees on generic requirements for SpR training has been reached by using a Delphi technique. There is a large variation between specialties in the extent that they have been able to reach these standards; some have proved easier to establish than others. Acceptance of the new standards should lead to the delivery of a measurable degree of higher quality education, training and experience for SpRs.

Delphi Technique↗

Factors perceived to influence parental decision-making regarding presymptomatic testing of children at risk for treatable adult-onset genetic disorders.

The purpose of this study was to identify those critical factors that genetic nurse experts perceived could influence parental decision-making to seek or to reject presymptomatic testing of their children at risk for treatable adult-onset genetic disorders (neurofibromatosis 2, familial adenomatous polyposis, and von Hippel Lindeau disorder). Perceptions of ISONG genetic nurse specialists were surveyed through a modified Delphi technique and four major themes emerged: personal experience with severity of genetic disorder, receiving accurate information from credible sources, availability of quality treatment, and risk perception. Currently, there is a paucity of extant research that identifies critical factors influencing parental decision-making about this relatively new testing alternative for children. Thus, these experts are an important source of valuable information needed to identify such factors. Findings may be useful to design a qualitative study with parents to investigate this issue.

Adult↗

The identification by physiotherapists of the physical problems resulting from a mild traumatic brain injury.

In New Zealand, over 9000 people are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year, with at least 80% being classified as mild. The cognitive deficits resulting from mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) have been well documented, but this is not the case for the physical problems. As a result, the physical problems are not well understood and few people with a MTBI are referred for physiotherapy. The aim of this research was to use a modified Delphi Technique to gain consensus amongst physiotherapists working with TBI clients with regard to: (1) The common motor performance problems associated with MTBI; (2) The importance of assessing these motor performance problem; and (3) Whether these motor performance problems should be used in a formal assessment (FA) or included as a screening measure (SM). Following a pilot study to establish face validity and clarity of instructions, a national sample of 52 physiotherapists with a minimum of 1 year's experience working with TBI clients was recruited. In Round 1, 42 physiotherapists listed 424 physical problems which, in their clinical experience, may occur in people with a recent MTBI. A planning committee developed these listed problems into 33 items. In Round 2, these items were then rated by the physiotherapists as to their importance of being included in an assessment. Using 75% consensus criteria, 31 items were deemed as being at least 'important' for inclusion. In Round 3, the physiotherapists were asked whether these items should be used in a FA or used as a SM. Of the 31 items which were retained, seven reached consensus for FA (balance with unstable, reduced or changing base of support; dynamic standing balance; high level balance activities; quality of movement; ballistic activities; gait; proprioception). Five items reached consensus for being used as a SM (attention; behaviour; sport and leisure activities; vocational activities; quality of movement). Consensus of classification was not reached for the remaining 19 items which had previously been identified in Round 2 as being at least 'important' to be assessed. These results form the foundation for the development of an assessment/management protocol for physiotherapists working with adults with MTBI.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Screening of health risk factors prior to exercise or a fitness evaluation of adults with traumatic brain injury: a consensus by rehabilitation professionals.

A modified Delphi technique was used to obtain group consensus among 31 rehabilitation professionals (RPs) from nine rehabilitation centres throughout the province of Québec (Canada) to ascertain their expert opinion on the health risk factors (HRF) to be verified prior to beginning an exercise programme or evaluation for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). From the initial survey 87 items were generated, which were later regrouped into 27 HRFs. The relative importance of each HRF in regard to being screened before exercise in a population with TBI was then assessed by each RP using a five-point ordinal scale (1 = not important to 5 = extremely important). HRFs that were considered extremely important by at least 50% of HPs include: angina pectoris, aortic stenosis, exertional syncope, musculoskeletal sequelae which are exacerbated by exercise, outward aggressivity, pulmonary embolism, uncontrolled epilepsy (seizures), and ventricular arrhythmias. Professionals involved in exercising patients with TBI may find these factors useful to the efficient conduct of their rehabilitation programme.

Adult↗

Investigation of health perspectives of those with physical disabilities: the role of spirituality as a determinant of health.

PURPOSE: To identify key determinants of health and the process of health attainment for people with musculoskeletal disabilities. METHOD: Focus groups of people with musculoskeletal disorders, including 30 members and their five trained facilitators, provided data. Discussed were 'What is health for you?' and 'What has helped, or would help you achieve this health?' Delphi-structured analysis identified health themes and a health process model was developed with the facilitators comprising the expert panel. RESULTS: Health was perceived as centred on relationships that required a spiritual awareness for a strong and resilient identity. The Self Attributes Model developed portrays the processes perceived to be required for health. CONCLUSIONS: Although physical, social and psychological interventions are essential aspects of health intervention, by themselves they are not sufficient. Also required for health is a strong resilient self resulting from interaction and connection with other people and the natural world. Moreover, development of such an identity requires a spiritual world-view comprising an acknowledgement of the essence of self and focus upon the nature of the connection of this essence with all other aspects of life. Further research is required to advance understanding of the process by which this occurs for people with chronic disorders.

Adult↗

Broadening the scope on health problems among the chronically neurologically ill with the International Classification of Functioning (ICF).

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine ICF items indicating health problems for patients with a chronic neurological disorder such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and neuromuscular disease. METHOD: A Delphi study using three disease-specific panels composed of patients and proxies, medical and non-medical health professionals (N = 98). Panels were asked to select items from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) reflecting relevant disease-specific health problems. Items appraised as relevant by the panel members were compared with items in established measures namely: the Minimal Record of Disability (MRD) and the Disability and Impact Profile (DIP). RESULTS: Sixty-eight ICF items were considered to be the most relevant, and belonged to four ICF domains. No significant differences were found between the appraisal of items by patients/proxies and health professionals. Agreement across the disease panels appeared to be (very) strong. Differences between the three disease-specific panels were found for the 'Body Functions and Structures' domain: consensus was reached by extension of the inclusion criteria. The ICF-item selection covers almost all items of the established measures. The largest contrast was shown in the item selection for the 'participation' and 'environmental factors' domains. CONCLUSIONS: Selected items indicate a broader scope in studying health problems compared with widely used health status measures in neurology, especially for the ICF domains 'Participation' and 'Environmental Factors'.

Chronic Disease↗

Determining severe respiratory distress in older out-of-hospital patients.

OBJECTIVES: This preliminary investigation represents the first step in developing a clinical decision rule (CDR) to assist out-of-hospital providers in caring for older patients in respiratory distress. The specific aims of the study were: 1) to identify up to ten candidate clinical indicators of severe respiratory distress in older out-of-hospital patients and 2) to determine the feasibility of obtaining data on these indicators from out-of-hospital treatment records, and of obtaining a measure of severe respiratory distress from the emergency department (ED) medical record. METHODS: This mixed-methods study included a qualitative component to list possible clinical indicators of severe respiratory distress, and a Delphi survey N = six experts) to reduce the comprehensive list that resulted (aim 1). The feasibility of gathering clinical indicators and a measure of severe distress was evaluated using a retrospective chart review (N = 640) of out-of-hospital and ED medical records (aim 2). RESULTS: Nine clinical indicators were identified: level of consciousness/mentation, inability to speak in full sentences, position of the patient on arrival, decreased oxygen saturation, accessory muscle use, dyspnea, increased respiratory effort, altered respiratory rate, and retractions. There were sufficient data available on all indicators except dyspnea and retractions; a measure of severe distress was readily obtained from the ED medical record. CONCLUSION: Medical record data were available on seven out-of-hospital clinical indicators and an ED measure of severe distress. Further work needs to be done to refine the operational definitions of the indicators and to standardize the way they are documented in the out-of-hospital medical record.

Consensus↗

ICF Core Sets for rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review, and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF, and based on these preliminary studies, relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 530 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 203 categories on body functions, 76 on body structures, 188 on activities and participation, and 63 on environmental factors. Seventeen experts from 12 different countries attended the consensus conference on rheumatoid arthritis (7 physicians with at least a specialization in physical and rehabilitation medicine, 7 rheumatologists, one nurse, one occupational therapist, and one physical therapist). Altogether 96 categories (76 second-level and 20 third-, and fourth-level categories) were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 25 categories from the component body functions, 18 from body structures, 32 from activities and participation, and 21 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 39 second-level categories, with 8 on body functions, 7 on body structures, 14 on activities and participation, and 10 on environmental factors. CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for rheumatoid arthritis. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

ICF Core Sets for osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for osteoarthritis. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review, and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 388 ICF categories at the second, third, and fourth ICF levels with 144 categories on body functions, 49 on body structures; 165 on activities and participation, and 43 on environmental factors. Seventeen experts from 7 different countries attended the consensus conference on osteoarthritis. Altogether 55 second-level categories were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 13 categories from the component body functions, 6 from body structures, 19 from activities and participation, and 17 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 13 second-level categories (3 on body functions, 3 on body structures, 3 on activities and participation, and 4 on environmental factors). CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for osteoarthritis. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

ICF Core Sets for osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for osteoporosis. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review, and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies, relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 239 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 72 categories on body functions, 41 on body structures, 81 on activities and participation, and 45 on environmental factors. Fifteen experts from 7 different countries attended the consensus conference on osteoporosis. Altogether 67 second-level and 2 third-level categories were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 15 categories from the component body functions, 7 from body structures, 21 from activities and participation, and 26 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 22 second-level categories with 5 on body functions, 4 on body structures, 6 on activities and participation, and 7 on environmental factors. CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for osteoporosis. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

ICF Core Sets for low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for low back pain. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies, relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 503 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 211 categories on body functions, 47 on body structures, 190 on activities and participation and 55 on environmental factors. Eighteen experts from 15 different countries attended the consensus conference on low back pain. Altogether 78 second-level categories were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 19 categories from the component body functions, 5 from body structures, 29 from activities and participation and 25 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 35 second-level categories with 10 on body functions, 3 on body structures, 12 on activities and participation and 10 on environmental factors. CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for low back pain. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

ICF Core Sets for chronic widespread pain.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for chronic widespread pain. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 365 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 143 categories on body functions, 45 on body structures, 125 on activities and participation and 125 on environmental factors. Thirty experts attended the consensus conference on chronic widespread pain (16 physicians with at least a specialization in physical and rehabilitation medicine, 4 rheumatologists, 2 psychiatrists, 5 physical therapists, one psychologist, one occupational therapist and 1 social worker). Altogether 65 second-level and 2 third-level categories were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 23 categories from the component body functions, one from body structures, 27 from activities and participation and 16 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 24 second-level categories and 2 third-level categories with 10 on body functions, 10 on activities and participation and 6 on environmental factors. No body structures were included in the Brief ICF Core Set. CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for chronic widespread pain. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗

ICF Core Sets for depression.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for depression. METHODS: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review and an empirical data collection. After receiving training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies, relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds. RESULTS: The preliminary studies identified a set of 323 ICF categories at the second, third and fourth ICF levels with 163 categories on body functions, 22 on body structures, 91 on activities and participation and 47 on environmental factors. Twenty experts attended the consensus conference on depression. Altogether 121 categories (89 second-level and 32 third-level categories) were included in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set with 45 categories from the component body functions, 48 from activities and participation and 28 from environmental factors. The Brief ICF Core Set included a total of 31 categories with 9 on body functions, 12 on activities and participation and 10 on environmental factors. CONCLUSION: A formal consensus process integrating evidence and expert opinion based on the ICF framework and classification led to the definition of ICF Core Sets for depression. Both the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set were defined.

Activities of Daily Living↗