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.
Highlights
The Delphi technique is an established and effective research method with multifaceted applications for health services research
The Delphi technique allows for the introduction and integration of viewpoints, opinions, and insights from a wide array of expert stakeholders
We seek to examine the methodological gap in applying real-time Delphi methods, by providing a specific case example from a real-time Delphi study conducted to develop a self-reporting survey tool to explore pain management practices of Australian emergency nursing in critically ill adult patients [3]
Summary
The Delphi technique is an established and effective research method with multifaceted applications for health services research. With increasing accessibility to the Internet and proliferation of smart device technology, changes from paper-based surveys to the development of online software systems, such as the real-time Delphi method, has significantly extended the potential research for the research population and sample, and efficiency of data collection and analysis. A recent systematic review highlighted a gap between available methodological guidance and publishing primary research in conducting real-time Delphi studies [1, 2]. We seek to examine the methodological gap in applying real-time Delphi methods, by providing a specific case example from a real-time Delphi study conducted to develop a self-reporting survey tool to explore pain management practices of Australian emergency nursing in critically ill adult patients [3]. Reflections from the case are presented, along with recommendations for future researchers considering the use of a real-time Delphi technique approach
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