Abstract
BackgroundDifferent methods have attempted to obtain consensus on occupational health issues. The objective of this paper is to describe a modified three-stage Delphi process that uses a wireless audience response system to enable consensus to be attained in a single day and to maximise response rates. The modified Delphi approach required: a) agreeing the topic/s of interest for which consensus is sought, b) identifying key stakeholders whose opinions are required; c) assembling the stakeholders for a one-day event. Participants’ opinions were recorded primarily through use of a system of individual wireless audience response devices (‘clickers’) linked to a computer. Providing immediate feedback enabled the audience to consider the group’s views before proceeding to the next stage. From an initial round of responses, participants were asked to narrow their choices to any five preferred options. A third round was conducted, using the ‘clickers’ to rank 5 of the most popular group options. Through this iterative exercise, stakeholder consensus was achieved after three decision rounds.ResultsThe use of the modifications and the wireless audience response system described enabled stakeholders to provide a group view on specific occupational health issues e.g. priorities or barriers or resources needed. Completing the three-stage iterative exercise in a day maximised the response rate with advantages for both the participants and the researchers. Careful design of the protocol is essential, with a team familiar with information technology to ensure smooth execution of the various stages.ConclusionsModification of the Delphi method with the use of a wireless audience participation system facilitates rapid consensus.
Highlights
Different methods have attempted to obtain consensus on occupational health issues
We have trialled the use of a computerised audience-response system for determining key issues and barriers to effective provision of occupational health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) [20]
Identification of the topic of interest Two occupational health projects using the modified Delphi method were conducted in Abu Dhabi
Summary
The objective of this paper is to describe a modified three-stage Delphi process that uses a wireless audience response system to enable consensus to be attained in a single day and to maximise response rates. A third round was conducted, using the ‘clickers’ to rank 5 of the most popular group options Through this iterative exercise, stakeholder consensus was achieved after three decision rounds. The technique used an iterative approach for obtaining consensus It appeared to be especially useful in the absence or non-availability of definitive data, and when expert opinion is sought as a possible alternative to decisions based on published. Aw et al Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology (2016) 11:9 various settings [16, 17] This has led to considerations as to whether there is a possibility of completing the exercise in a shorter period of time to reduce poor participation from the first round through to completion. The method was refined and used in 2014 to determine consensus on health and safety issues and obstacles to successful implementation of health and safety programmes for a large utilities company in Abu Dhabi
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