Applying real-time Delphi methods: development of a pain management survey in emergency nursing

Abstract

The modified Delphi technique is widely used to develop consensus on group opinion within health services research. However, digital platforms are offering researchers the capacity to undertake a real-time Delphi, which provides novel opportunities to enhance the process. The aim of this case study is to discuss and reflect on the use of a real-time Delphi method for researchers in emergency nursing and cognate areas of practice. A real-time Delphi method was used to develop a national survey examining knowledge, perceptions and factors influencing pain assessment and management practices among Australian emergency nurses. While designing and completing this real-time Delphi study, a number of areas, emerged that demanded careful consideration and provide guidance to future researchers.

Developing a medication adherence technologies repository: proposed structure and protocol for an online real-time Delphi study

“…The RT-Delphi approach was developed by Gordon and Pease to improve efficiency of the process and shorten the time of performance 39. Since then, several online tools have been developed to facilitate the RT-Delphi design40 and literature describing the use of RT-Delphi and comparison with the traditional multiround Delphi approach is growing 23 41–44. In contrast to the traditional Delphi, the real-time approach is round-less and offers a constant iteration by providing immediate (real-time) individual and aggregated feedback.…”

“…Based on new information participants can rethink and modify their answers, which could lead to reconciliation of opinions and eventually to consensus. Participants are encouraged to revisit and engage in the survey several times during the study period 39 40 42 44. In comparison with the traditional approach, the real-time approach encompasses all key Delphi features43 and is similar from all key perspectives 23 41 43 44.…”

“…Participants are encouraged to revisit and engage in the survey several times during the study period 39 40 42 44. In comparison with the traditional approach, the real-time approach encompasses all key Delphi features43 and is similar from all key perspectives 23 41 43 44. Furthermore, the real-time approach is particularly suitable for managing larger groups, decreases moderators’ workload, simplifies inclusion of people from different geographic locations and can be leaner in costs 23 39 44.…”

“…In comparison with the traditional approach, the real-time approach encompasses all key Delphi features43 and is similar from all key perspectives 23 41 43 44. Furthermore, the real-time approach is particularly suitable for managing larger groups, decreases moderators’ workload, simplifies inclusion of people from different geographic locations and can be leaner in costs 23 39 44. On the other hand, the approach requires specific software, which can sometimes be rigid in terms of survey configuration and analysis, contributes to increases study costs and requires specific instructions for participants 40 44.…”

Establishing a Multidisciplinary Framework for an Emergency Food Supply System Using a Modified Delphi Approach

“…Recently, the modified Delphi approach has been widely used across numerous disciplines such as medicine, supply chain management, etc. [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. In this study, a two-round modified Delphi study was conducted between September and December 2020 to achieve consensus of the multidisciplinary framework for the emergency food supply system, as shown in Figure 1 .…”