Delphi Method Research Articles

Exploring essential features for developing a human resource management mobile application: Insights from the middle east

This study aims to investigate the key features necessary for the development of a mobile application for human resource management (HRM). It addresses the shortage of empirical studies on digital HRM in the Middle East and emphasizes the increasing importance of HRM mobile applications in the region. The research utilizes qualitative research methods, including the Delphi method, in-depth interviews, literature review, historical analysis, and critical discussion.A qualitative research strategy is employed, analyzing data from 43 HR experts and mobile app development team members from international and local businesses in the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain. NVivo software is used for data analysis, encompassing over 120 transcriptions, notes, and academic papers. The study identifies and explores the logical and practical features required for an HRM mobile app. It uncovers challenges related to the Delphi survey experiences, such as managing heterogeneous information and ensuring compatibility with iOS and Android platforms. This research fills a gap in the literature by investigating the digital HRM landscape and HRM mobile applications in the Middle East. It provides valuable insights from HR and technology experts, contributing to the advancement of digital HRM, mobile applications, and the application of the Delphi method methodology. The study highlights implications for industries to enhance HR operations and productivity through the adoption of mobile HR applications. Theoretical contributions include new insights into the digital HRM literature, specifically regarding the identification and discussion of essential features in HRM mobile applications. Practical implications involve the benefits of transitioning from traditional HRM to digitalized HRM in the professional era, as identified through the analyzed features of the HR app. The study offers practical insights for the development and implementation of mobile HR apps. Organizations can leverage these insights to create effective mobile HR apps that enhance HR operations and employee productivity.

The knowledge and skills needed for forensic social work in Australia: A Delphi study

Summary Forensic social work is the application of social work knowledge, skills, values and ethics within a legal and criminal justice context. Globally, social workers play an integral role in the criminal justice system but in many countries, including Australia, there is limited conception of the competencies needed for this specialist practice. Australia serves as an example of forensic social work regulated through a generalist social work competency framework, where specialist skills and knowledge are not distinctly outlined or assessed. The purpose of this study was to identify the knowledge and skills used by forensic social work practitioners in Australia. This study used a 3-round Delphi method with an expert panel of social workers working in forensic practice across Australia. It consisted of a 1-hour semi-structured individual interview followed by 2 rounds of online surveys. Findings Consensus was obtained for 30 skill and knowledge items for Australian forensic social work. The panel identified these competencies as specialist, meaning requiring further training beyond generalist proficiency. Of these, eight of the skill and knowledge items were seen as essential for graduates entering forensic social work. Applications The findings from this study contribute to an evidence-based model of forensic social work competency. In Australia, they can be used to consider potential gaps between current generalist mechanisms and specialist practice expectations. With further research, these findings can be used to inform professional standards for forensic social work in Australia and potentially internationally.

Challenges in Teledermoscopy Diagnostic Outcome Studies: Scoping Review of Heterogeneous Study Characteristics.

Teledermoscopy has demonstrated benefits such as decreased costs and enhanced access to dermatology care for skin cancer detection. However, the heterogeneity among teledermoscopy studies hinders the systematic reviews' synopsis of diagnostic outcomes, impeding trust and adoption in general practice and limiting overall health care benefits. This study aims to improve understanding and standardization of teledermoscopy diagnostic studies, by identifying and categorizing study characteristics contributing to heterogeneity. Subsequently, the variability and consistency of these characteristics were assessed. A review of systematic reviews regarding the diagnostic outcomes of teledermoscopy was performed to discern reported study characteristics contributing to heterogeneity. These characteristics were thematically grouped into 3 domains (population, index test, and reference standard), forming a data extraction framework. A scoping review on teledermoscopy diagnostic outcomes studies was performed, guided by the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. Data pertaining to study characteristics from included studies were extracted and analyzed through descriptive content analysis. Systematic reviews' reference lists validated the scoping review query. The literature search yielded 4 systematic reviews, revealing 15 heterogeneous studies across the population, index test, and reference standard domains. The scoping review identified 49 studies, with 27 overlapping with the systematic reviews. Population characteristics varied, with one-third (16/49, 33%) of studies reporting fewer than 100 samples; most studies (41/49, 84%) reported on the type of lesion, and most (20/49, 41%) teledermoscopy consultations took place in secondary care. One-fifth (11/49, 22%) did not describe inclusion or exclusion criteria, or the criteria varied highly. Index test characteristics showed differences in clinical expertise, profession, and training in dermatoscopic photography, and 59% (29/49) did not report on 1 or more index test characteristics. Image quality and clinical information reporting likewise varied. Reference standard characteristics involved teledermatologists' assessment, but 16 studies did not report teledermatologists' experience levels. Most studies (26/49, 53%) used histopathology as a gold standard. The heterogeneity in the population, index tests, and reference standard domains across teledermoscopy diagnostic outcome studies underscores the need for standardized reporting. This hinders the synopsis of teledermoscopy diagnostic outcomes in systematic reviews and limits the integration of research results into practice. Adopting a (tailored) STARD (Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) checklist for teledermoscopy diagnostic outcome studies is recommended to enhance the consistency and comparability of outcomes. We suggest performing a Delphi study to gather consensus on the tailored STARD guideline.

Priorities and challenges in social and healthcare policies for older people living in the Mediterranean basin: A Delphi panel study

BackgroundRecently, the countries in the Mediterranean basin (which share cultural ties) have been showing a common trend of declining social support for the elderly, with deficiencies in social care models for this demographic. Thus, this Delphi panel study analyzed the gaps in social and integrated care among the participating countries in a European research project.MethodsThis three-round Delphi panel study focused on the European countries of Greece and Spain and the non-European countries of Egypt, Lebanon, and Tunisia. In this project, experts were identified according to their level of expertise in the subject matter, their gender, and their membership in different social groups. Subsequently, they were asked to identify the current situation of social care, set future goals, and locate the gaps regarding the social and healthcare models for older people in the participating countries. The median score (Mdn) and interquartile range (IQR) were calculated to assess the degree of consensus on the different priorities.ResultsAmong the participating countries, there was a lack of state agreements to maintain social care models, a lack of coordination between public and private institutions to provide social care services, territorial inequalities in terms of access and coverage of rights, and job insecurity for professionals. The desired situation was to integrate social and healthcare services with a person-centered social care model, thus promoting autonomy and empowering users and families in participation and decision-making.ConclusionsThis Delphi study reveals significant disparities in social and healthcare policies for older adults across Mediterranean countries, highlighting shared challenges and specific national needs. European nations like Greece and Spain face fragmented systems, while non-European countries such as Lebanon, Egypt, and Tunisia lack specialized geriatric services and social security. All countries urgently need better professional training, social and economic empowerment of older adults, and integrated national strategies. These findings offer key insights for policymakers to develop equitable, sustainable solutions for aging populations.

Management of low-level HIV viremia during antiretroviral therapy: Delphi consensus statement and appraisal of the evidence

ObjectiveWhile antiretroviral therapy (ART) is highly effective, detection of low levels of HIV-1 RNA in plasma is common in treated individuals. Given the uncertainties on the topic, we convened a...

Cost-effectiveness of Procalcitonin (PCT) guidance for antibiotics management of adult sepsis patients in the Egyptian context

BackgroundSepsis, which is described as a life-threatening organ malfunction brought on by an unbalanced host response to infection, continues to be a significant healthcare issue that affects millions of individuals each year. It is well-known that sepsis can affect anyone around the world, but the employed survey results showed that there are significant regional variations in sepsis incidence as well as mortality rates. Although there are no definite estimates for Egypt, the highest rates were in Low-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).Procalcitonin (PCT) is a host response marker with high specificity for bacterial infections, unlike C-reactive protein (CRP) or white blood cell count (WBC), which represent the traditional methods of detecting inflammation and infection. Its dynamic profile and superior prognostic prediction make it invaluable for assessing response to antibiotic treatment and improving clinical care for sepsis patients.Our main purpose was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of PCT guidance compared to no PCT guidance in the antibiotic management of adult sepsis patients according to the Egyptian context.MethodsWe developed a decision tree model to compare the PCT-guided antibiotic management duration endpoint versus the conventional laboratory culture-based antibiotic management in adult sepsis patients. We employed the“Delphi technique” to reach a satisfactory consensus regarding the resources attributed to each compared alternative. The primary measure of the study was the additional cost associated with each Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained by sepsis survivors over a one-year time horizon.Base-case, deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted using TreeAge, Software.ResultsBase-case analysis showed no dominance for either alternative and resulted in an Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) value of 297,783.57 Egyptian Pounds per Quality Adjusted Life Year (L.E/QALY) in favor of the PCT guidance alternative, Deterministic sensitivity analysis revealed that the highest impact magnitudes on ICER reside with seven input parameters, the top two parameters that had the most significant influence were the costs of ICU stay with and without PCT guidance. The CEAC showed a slightly higher probability in terms of acceptability in favor of the no PCT guidance choice along the WTP scale till reaching equal probabilities at the willingness-to-pay (WTP) value point of 390,000 (state currency) after which the - probability supports the PCT guidance choice. ConclusionsIn the Egyptian context, PCT guidance has no cost-effectiveness domination over no PCT guidance in Antibiotics management for adult sepsis patients. This may be attributed to the high cost of PCT investigation that shall be resolved by standardization of its cost when applying the approach of DRG cost packages.

Perioperative Management of Tibial Spine Fractures in Pediatric Patients: A Delphi Study to Identify Principles of Treatment.

The Delphi technique is a structured, iterative group survey method utilized to reach a consensus among experts in a field regarding topics with evidence-based equipoise. Currently, there are few studies at the highest levels of evidence published on the perioperative tibial spine management, making it an ideal subject to utilize expert opinion to reach consensus decision. The purpose of this study was to utilize a Delphi-method survey to achieve consensus statements regarding the perioperative management of tibial spine fractures. Before study initiation, 3 rounds of surveys were agreed upon, maintaining the traditional Delphi principles. Consensus was defined as 75% agreement or disagreement on a Likert scale. An anonymous survey consisting of 50 statements describing the management of tibial spine fractures preoperative and postoperative in varying scenarios was distributed to a group of 44 pediatric sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons utilizing an electronic survey software system. Of 44 surgeons invited to participate, 24 responded to round 1, 28 responded to round 2, and 25 responded to round 3. Consensus was achieved for the following: use of x-ray to determine initial treatment; casting for a minimum of 3 weeks for nonoperative management, but <3 weeks if treated with surgical fixation; advanced imaging to avoid missing concomitant injury; the necessity of physical therapy, but not continuous passive motion (CPM); and for arthroscopic surgical intervention. It was also agreed that functional testing is important in return-to-play (RTP) decision-making, though the specific timelines and clearance criteria could not be agreed upon. There were statements that displayed continued disagreement, including the role of aspiration, preoperative range of motion management, and the timing of surgical scheduling. Utilizing a Delphi methodology with experienced surgeons on tibial spine treatment, consensus in the management of tibial spine fracture was achieved for definitive management strategies. Further study will be important to optimize our management of this youthful population with tibial spine fractures.

Chinese Anesthesiology Milestones in Resident Evaluation: Reliability, Validity, and Correlation with Objective Examination Scores: a Cross-sectional Study.

Evaluating competency acquisition during residency training is crucial. The Anesthesiology Milestones have been implemented in the United States. The China Consortium of Elite Teaching Hospitals for Residency Education has also developed the Chinese Resident Core Competency Milestone Evaluation System. Despite this, Milestones tailored for anesthesiology have yet to be implemented in China. To address this gap, we have developed Chinese Anesthesiology Milestones. This study aims to assess the reliability and validity of the Chinese Anesthesiology Milestones and their correlation with objective examinations. In this single-center cross-sectional study, we included anesthesia residents enrolled in the standardized residency training program at our hospital during the academic year 2021 to 2022. The Chinese Anesthesiology Milestones were developed based on the American version of Anesthesiology Milestones 2.0 and the Chinese Resident Core Competency Milestone Evaluation System using the Delphi method. The Delphi panel comprised a diverse group, including education administrators, faculty from teaching hospitals, and anesthesia residents. Five attending anesthesiologists independently assessed the levels achieved by each anesthesia resident based on the Chinese Anesthesiology Milestones. Subsequently, they collaboratively discussed the ratings for each resident until a consensus was reached. The interrater reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity were assessed using Kendall's coefficient, Cronbach's α coefficient/ composite reliability, and average variance extracted, respectively. Higher values indicated better reliability or validity. The correlation between Milestone ratings and objective examination scores, including written examinations and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations, were analyzed using Pearson correlation. The Chinese Anesthesiology Milestones encompassed 6 competencies, including professionalism, medical knowledge and technical skills, patient care, interpersonal and communication skills, teaching ability, and life-long learning. Milestone evaluation data were available and analyzed from 66 residents. The Kendall's coefficient of concordance among raters ranged from 0.799 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.793-0.918) to 0.942 (95% CI, 0.934-0.982). The average variance extracted, composite reliability, and Cronbach's α coefficient ranged from 0.782 to 0.920, 0.935 to 0.980, and 0.916 to 0.978, respectively. Correlations between objective examination scores and related Milestone subcompetencies were as follows: written examinations: r = 0.52 (95% CI, 0.22-0.71), technical skills stations: r = 0.51 (95% CI, 0.21-0.71), the oral test station: r = 0.66 (95% CI, 0.45-0.79), and the standardized patient station: r = 0.61 (95% CI, 0.36-0.76). The Chinese Anesthesiology Milestones demonstrated satisfactory interrater reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, and correlation with objective examination scores within our hospital.

Constructing a Competency Training Index System in Public Health Emergencies for Community Nurses.

A competency training index system was designed in public health emergencies for community nurses. The purpose of this approach is to provide community nurses with guidelines for standardized training programs on how to respond to public health emergencies. Through semi-structured interviews, a literature review, and team discussion, the first draft of competency training index system in public health emergencies for community nurses was formed. The Delphi method was used for two rounds of expert consultation to screen, modify and determine indicators. Finally, the analytic hierarchy process was utilized to calculate the weights of indicators at all levels. A total of 15 expert consultants were included. The effective recovery rate of the two rounds of expert consultation questionnaire was 100%, the expert authority coefficient was 0.880, 0.887, and the Kendall coordination coefficient was 0.172 and 0.171 (p < 0.001). Expert opinions have determined that the final revised competency index system in public health emergencies for community nurses training consists of 2 primary indicators, 10 secondary indicators, and 46 tertiary indicators. The study has developed a competency training index system in public health emergencies for community nurses. This system can serve as a foundation for standardized training in community health service institutions. It is characterized by its high demand, scientific approach, reliability, and rationality.

Expert Panel Consensus Recommendations for Allergic Rhinitis in Patients with Asthma in India.

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are commonly coexisting conditions, significantly impacting patient health and quality of life. Despite their interrelation, diagnosing allergic rhinitis in patients with asthma remains challenging, leading to underdiagnosis and suboptimal management. The expert consensus engaged a modified Delphi method involving 29 experts including pulmonologists, ear, nose, and throat surgeons, and allergologists. Through group discussions, consensus statements were developed regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Final consensus statements were formulated based on the experts' collective clinical judgment and experience. This expert consensus provides updated recommendations tailored to the Indian context, addressing the gaps in existing research and clinical practice. By promoting a systematic and evidence-based approach to diagnosis and management, this consensus aims to support clinicians in effectively identifying and treating allergic rhinitis in patients with asthma, thereby improving overall disease management and patient well-being.

An expert consensus on the most effective components of integrated motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy for lifestyle behaviour change: protocol for an online modified Delphi study

IntroductionBehaviour change interventions are advocated as a key approach to manage behavioural risk factors such as insufficient physical activity, poor diet and smoking. Integrated motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy...

Assessment of Surgical Competences for Neck Dissection and Total Laryngectomy on Revascularized Cadaver Models: Onco-Neck-Score and Onco-Larynx-Score.

In surgical simulation, evaluation tools are necessary to allow the overall and specific level of each gesture to be assessed for learners, to allow active feedback and follow-up. The aim of this study was to create and validate a scale for the assessment of competences for neck dissection (ND) and total laryngectomy (TL) in head and neck surgical oncology simulation specific for revascularized cadavers' models. Two independent scales were created for ND and TL based on a two-round Delphi method. The scales were used during ND and TL simulation sessions on SimLife® (Symedis, Poitiers, France) model. Surgical steps were scored by 2 independent observers. To assess its ease of use, a questionnaire was answered by senior surgeons (SS) at the end of the sessions. Fifteen items were included in the final version for ND scale and 20 for TL scale. The results of 14 lateral ND and 8TL were included. The mean score was higher for SS (69 ± 6.4; 87.5 ± 8.5) than for residents (36.5 ± 11; 57.5 ± 13.2) for ND (P = 0.0006) and TL (P = 0.028) respectively. Six SS strongly agreed that this tool had a positive impact on resident training with stepwise feedback and accurately represented their competences. We developed a pedagogic tool built to assess surgical competence for head and neck surgical oncology on revascularized cadaver models. This tool has a good construct validity thanks to the expert reviewing with Delphi method and appears to have fine acceptability by the SS.

Identifying potential outcomes of patient engagement in primary care quality improvement: a modified Delphi study.

A barrier to dedicating resources towards patient engagement in primary care quality improvement is the lack of clearly identified outcomes that might result from these initiatives. We sought to identify these potential outcomes at three healthcare levels as defined by the Institute of Medicine: 1) Micro/Direct Care; 2) Meso/Microsystem; and 3) Macro/Clinic/System using a Modified Delphi technique. Two focus groups of patients and primary care clinician leaders generated a first set of outcomes. These outcomes were then vetted and expanded through three web-based surveys sent to twelve national experts. Experts indicated the level of agreement with prior elicited outcomes and generated potential new outcomes. Included outcomes achieved at least 80% agreement. The final list of 46 consensus-derived outcomes was categorized across levels. 22 were at the Micro-level, 9 were at the Meso-level, and 15 were at the Macro-level. Our findings suggest outcomes across all health system levels have the potential for progress when patients are engaged in primary care quality improvement initiatives. Future programs should consider validating and measuring these outcomes as part of their interventions.

Integrated design and procurement strategy to achieve efficient performance in design and build government project

Design and procurement integration strategies in construction projects play an important role and have an impact on the overall project cycle. Integrated design and procurement will increase productivity and reduce waste. This research aims to provide a guide to good design and procurement integration strategies in Design and Build (DB) projects in government projects. This research uses qualitative and quantitative methods in the form of a schematic literature review followed by a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the Delphi method to formulate integrated design and procurement that improve project performance. In-depth interviews were conducted with 90 respondents to explore the implementation of the design and procurement strategy on the project used as a case study. The results of this research are recommendations for an integrated design and procurement strategy which can be used as a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in DB projects on government projects so that it can provide added value from the start of the project being designed through tenders. This research can be utilized by project stakeholders, academics and anyone who will develop project performance through the integrated design and procurement in the long term.

Development and Application of an Employee Moral Quotient (MQ) Evaluation Index System for Chinese Petroleum Enterprises

Recognizing the critical role of oil and gas resources as strategic assets and acknowledging the increasing emphasis on green development and social responsibility driven by international energy agreements and the “dual carbon” strategy, this study addresses the urgent need for a robust employee evaluation framework within China’s petroleum sector. While existing systems often prioritize competence-based indicators, they frequently overlook the crucial aspect of employee Moral Quotient (MQ). This research focuses on developing and validating a holistic, scientifically grounded, multi-dimensional, and dynamic MQ evaluation index system tailored specifically for Chinese petroleum enterprises. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating a comprehensive literature review, semi-structured interviews with industry experts, and robust quantitative techniques, including the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the entropy weight method. A two-round Delphi study, involving 18 experts from six provinces across China, ensured broad representation and facilitated the construction of the evaluation index system and the determination of indicator weights. The Delphi process achieved a high degree of expert consensus, evidenced by a 100% questionnaire response rate in both rounds, expert authority coefficients of 0.851 and 0.879, respectively, and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance of 0.243 and 0.247 (p &lt; 0.01), respectively, demonstrating strong reliability and scientific validity. The resulting MQ evaluation index system comprises eight first-level indicators and thirty-three s-level indicators, encompassing key dimensions of employee morality relevant to the petroleum industry. This comprehensive system provides a robust and objective tool for employee selection, training, performance evaluation, and career development within Chinese petroleum enterprises, supporting informed decision-making in human resource management and fostering a culture of ethical conduct and sustainable development. Furthermore, the developed framework offers valuable insights and serves as a potential model for petroleum enterprises and other resource-intensive industries globally seeking to integrate MQ assessment into their human capital management strategies.

Preparing Graduate Registered Nurses for Independence in Aged Care.

Graduate registered nurses (RNs) start their careers working in a variety of clinical areas including aged care. However, they may not be fully prepared to work in aged care settings that often require them to work independently as the only RN on the premises. A list of essential clinical skills is crucial for supporting the development and effective transition of graduate nurses into aged care. To identify and rank a list of essential clinical skills for graduate RNs working in aged care settings on commencement of practice. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was applied and included a modified Delphi Study and semi-structured interviews. Five expert aged care RNs engaged in the three iterative Delphi rounds and five graduate aged care RNs were interviewed to confirm the clinical skills and ranking from their perspective. Quantitative data were presented through descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Thirty-six essential clinical skills for graduate RNs working in aged care settings were identified and ranked by the experienced aged care RNs. Graduate RNs supported this list of essential clinical skills on commencement and identified palliative care as an additional skill required by graduate RNs working in aged care. The derived essential skills offer aged care a guided approach to ensure that graduate RNs are work-ready, safe practitioners and supported to work independently. The study recommends the essential clinical skills for graduate nurses transitioning in their role as RNs in aged care that will support safe, quality clinical care.

How to optimise creative art therapy to foster the mental health of refugee adolescents? A Delphi study protocol.

This study aims to identify the most recommended components of creative art therapy (CAT) to improve the mental health of refugee adolescents. A three-round Delphi design is proposed. The first round will include semi-structured interviews with a panel of 12 CAT professionals worldwide and 12 refugee adolescents aged 10-24 in Jordan with a history of participating in creative arts interventions. The hybrid approach of coding and thematic analysis will be conducted to develop statements on recommended CAT components from the interview narratives. In the second round, the same and newly enrolled 24 professionals and 24 refugee adolescents will be asked to rate the statements according to their importance, propose new statements, and add comments. A similar procedure will be followed in the third round, where panellists will rate new and old statements after perusing the feedback from the second round. A statement will gain consensus and indicate essential components when rated 'essential' or 'very important' by > = 80% of panellists. Very important components are those with the same ratings by 60-79.9% of panellists. A list of essential and very important components, perspectives and suggestions will be provided to guide practice and intervention development.

Consensus palliative care referral criteria for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

ObjectivePeople with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have substantial palliative care needs, but uncertainty exists around appropriate identification of patients for palliative care referral.We conducted a Delphi study of...

Development of an evaluation list for older adult community-based rehabilitation needs through a Delphi method

Older adults’ functional and intrinsic abilities may decline with increasing age. The positive effects of comprehensive community-based rehabilitation services to maintain physical, mental, and social function are essential. Nevertheless, few tools are available to assess the community-based rehabilitation needs of older adults. Therefore, we aimed to construct a list for the comprehensive evaluation of community-based rehabilitation needs of older adults. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) was used to construct a first draft of the assessment list. From September to November 2023, 18 experts from five provinces and nine tertiary hospitals and institutions of higher education in China participated in this Delphi study. The older adult community-based rehabilitation needs evaluation list included six dimensions and 29 items. The weights of the six dimensions, from high to low, included mental function rehabilitation need (0.30), body function rehabilitation need (0.24), social participation need (0.18), individual activity rehabilitation need (0.14), environmental rehabilitation need (0.09) and rehabilitation information need (0.05). Using the Delphi method, an assessment list of older adult community-based rehabilitation needs based on ICF was developed. Future work should evaluate the list’s reliability and validity and its application in managing community-based rehabilitation for older adults.

A study of a PERMA-based positive psychological intervention programme in subthreshold depressed patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer: formulation and application.

Depression seriously affects the quality of life of breast cancer patients and even hinders treatment and recovery after diagnosis. Subthreshold depression should be worthy of attention, and the risk of subthreshold depression developing into depression increases if timely intervention is not available. However, there is limited research on interventions for subthreshold depression, especially for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Exploring the efficacy of a PERMA-based positive psychological intervention programme in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with subthreshold depression. Using PERMA as a framework, we constructed the intervention programme through a literature review and expert discussion approach, and revised the programme using the Delphi method. Then we selected 84 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients for a randomised controlled trial. The control group received conventional care (primary care, specialist care, psychological care, etc.), and the observation group received a PERMA-based positive psychological intervention programme. Patient data were collected before and after the intervention, and the dataset consisted of patient responses to general information, the Depression Screening Scale (CES-D), the Hamilton Depression Inventory (HAMD-17), and the Questionnaire on Psychosocial Adjustment in Breast Cancer Patients. A total of 79 patients completed the study (38 patients in the observation group and 41 patients in the control group), and before the intervention, there were no statistical differences in the comparison of general information, subthreshold depression scores, and psychosocial adaptation scores between the two groups (p > 0.05). After the intervention, the subthreshold depression (CES-D and HAMD-17 scores) scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (p < 0.01), and the psychosocial adaptation scores were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.01). A positive psychological intervention programme using PERMA as a framework was more effective in reducing subthreshold depression levels and promoting levels of psychosocial adjustment in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Interventions for subthreshold depression are not limited to the traditional aftercare model, but rather from a positive psychology perspective. Especially for patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer, this is a new endeavour that has important implications for them. Because, instead of focusing on their negative emotions, we help them gradually adapt to their new identity and treatment process from a positive aspect during their most difficult period, thus reducing their subthreshold depression level and preventing it from developing into a more severe depression.