Interdisciplinary Delphi study by PROSEC North America: Recommendations on single indirect restorations made from ceramic and nonmetallic biomaterials for posterior teeth.

OBJECTIVE: This article puts forward consensus recommendations from PROSEC North America regarding single indirect restorations made from ceramic and nonmetallic biomaterials in posterior teeth. OVERVIEW: The consensus process involved a multidisciplinary panel and three consensus workshops. A systematic literature review was conducted across five databases to gather evidence. The recommendations, informed by findings from systematic reviews and formulated based on a two-phase e-Delphi survey, emphasize a comprehensive treatment strategy that includes noninvasive measures alongside restorative interventions for managing dental caries and tooth wear. The recommendations advocate for selecting between direct and indirect restorations on a case-by-case basis, favoring inlays and onlays over crowns to align with minimally invasive dentistry principles. The recommendations highlight the critical role of selecting restorative biomaterials based on clinical performance, esthetic properties, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines. They emphasize the importance of precision in restorative procedures, including tooth preparation, impression taking, contamination control, and luting. Regular follow-up and maintenance tailored to individual patient needs are crucial for the longevity of ceramic and nonmetallic restorations. CONCLUSIONS: These PROSEC recommendations provide a framework for dental practitioners to deliver high-quality restorative care, advocating for personalized treatment planning and minimally invasive approaches to optimize oral health outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The PROSEC North America recommendations highlight the importance of minimally invasive techniques in posterior tooth restorations using ceramic and non-metallic biomaterials. These principles prioritize tooth structure conservation and personalized treatment planning, essential for enhancing clinical outcomes and long-term oral health.

'Recommendations for deprescribing of medication in the last phase of life: an international Delphi study'.

CONTEXT: Medications may become inappropriate for patients in the last phase of life and may even compromise their quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To find consensus on recommendations regarding deprescribing of medications for adult patients with a life expectancy of six months or less. METHODS: Experts working in palliative care or other relevant disciplines were asked to participate in this international Delphi study. Existing tools for deprescribing of medication in the last phase of life were integrated in a list of 42 recommendations regarding potential deprescription of various medication types. In two Delphi rounds, experts were asked to rate their agreement with each recommendation on a 5-point Likert-scale (strongly agree - strongly disagree). Recommendations were accepted, if at least 70% of the experts (strongly) agreed, the interquartile range (IQR) was one or less, and less than 10% strongly disagreed. RESULTS: 47 experts from 10 countries participated (response rate 53%). In most cases (76%), consensus was reached on deprescribing recommendations for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less. The highest level of consensus was reached for recommendations on the deprescription of diuretics in case of decreasing fluid intake or increasing fluid loss, lipid modifying agents if prescribed for primary prevention, and vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants in case of high bleeding risk. CONCLUSION: A high level of consensus was reached on recommendations on potential deprescription of several medications for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less.

Delphi consensus recommendations on treatment for advanced-stage marginal zone lymphoma in South Korea.

Due to the lack of treatment guidelines for the management of advanced-stage marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), only one chemoimmunotherapy-cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone plus rituximab (R-CVP)-is reimbursed in the first-line setting in South Korea. The aim of this study was to develop a consensus-based recommendation for the treatment of patients with advanced-stage MZL. Twelve hematologist oncologists participated in a two-round Delphi process to identify consensus on the management of patients with advanced-stage MZL in South Korea. Physicians rated their level of agreement with each statement on a four-point Likert scale. Statements were divided into two sections: definitions used in clinical practice and clinical management of patients with advanced-stage MZL. Consensus was reached for 23 of 33 (69.7%) and 5 of 13 statements (38.5%) in rounds 1 and 2, respectively. There was strong consensus (91.7%) that advanced-stage MZL subtypes are defined according to the Lugano staging system. First-line systemic treatment should be prescribed for patients with symptomatic advanced-stage MZL. Although there was unanimous agreement that R-CVP is the standard first-line treatment for advanced-stage MZL, physicians also agreed that bendamustine with rituximab (BR) has greater efficacy than R-CVP as first-line treatment (91.7%). For the treatment of relapsed/refractory advanced-stage MZL, BR and R-CVP can be repeated in patients with short (< 24 months) and long remission periods (≥ 24 months), respectively. This study provides insights on the management of patients with advanced-stage MZL in South Korea. This may enhance clinical decision-making, thus improving patient outcomes.

Developing CT workforce competencies: What knowledge and skills should we expect of an early career radiographer?

INTRODUCTION: Individual professions seek to define their professional practice through competencies which describe the behaviours and technical attributes to perform effectively within role. Professional body and regulatory frameworks define universal standards for radiography but there is limited evidence of the technical competencies expected of the workforce in Computed Tomography (CT). This study aimed to address this gap by agreeing the essential competencies for the early career radiography workforce who have CT as part of their clinical responsibilities. This is the first step in developing a competency framework for CT across all radiography expertise levels. METHODS: A modified e-Delphi study was used to identify and gain agreement on essential practice competencies for this group. Structured surveys over two rounds were completed by an expert panel with CT knowledge and experience. Participants were asked to rate the essentiality of competencies for the novice CT workforce. Structured feedback was provided between surveys for consensus building, defined by the content validity ratio (CVR). RESULTS: Survey responses were received from 34 participants across different diagnostic imaging roles and settings. A total of 56 competency statements were agreed as essential for the early career CT workforce, including some appropriate to assistant radiographer practitioner roles. Competencies could be divided into those that were relevant to diagnostic radiography but could be applied to the CT setting (n = 32) and technical attributes unique to the CT context (n = 24). CONCLUSION: CT competencies for this group centre around understanding technical concepts of image formation and image quality optimisation; patient preparation and contrast media administration. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The competencies presented in this research represent the agreed minimum standards for the workforce in CT. Further work is required to validate competencies in practice.

Determining the Key Education Priorities Related to Heart Failure Care in Nursing Homes: A Modified Delphi Approach.

There is currently a limited understanding of what nurses in nursing homes view as the key education priorities to support their ability to provide the appropriate care for residents with heart failure (HF). A modified Delphi technique was utilized to gain a consensus on the key education priorities for nurses working in nursing homes in Northern Ireland. An initial list of items (n = 58), across 19 domains, was generated using the findings of a scoping review and stakeholder interviews, and a review of available clinical guidelines. Two rounds of surveys were undertaken. Items were presented using a 5-point Likert scale, with an additional exercise in the second round to rank the domains in order of importance. Fifty-four participants completed the first-round survey and 34 (63%) returned to complete the second. The findings highlight the importance of providing nurses in nursing home settings with general HF education and the delivery of person-centered care. Participants perceived education around technology for the management of HF and quality improvement or research methodologies associated with HF in nursing homes as lower priorities. This study illuminates key priorities from nursing home nurses regarding HF education that are applicable to this care setting.

Health policy and systems research priority-setting exercise in Ethiopia: a collaborative approach.

INTRODUCTION: Health policy and systems research (HPSR) is a multi-disciplinary approach of generating health system and policy-level evidence. Setting HPSR agendas is considered as an efficient strategy to map and identify policy and cost-effective research topics, but its practice in developing countries is limited. This paper aimed to conduct a collaborative health policy and system research priority-setting exercise in Ethiopia. METHOD: The WHO's plan, implement, publish, and evaluate (PIPE) framework and the Delphi technique were used to conduct the priority-setting exercise. The PIPE model was used to lead the priority-setting process from planning to evaluation, while the Delphi technique was used to run the rating and ranking exercise with the aim of reaching a consensus. Two rounds of expert panel workshops supplemented with an online survey were used for the HPSR agenda setting, rating and ranking purposes. Groups were formed using the WHO health system building blocks as a base framework to identify and prioritize the HPSR topics. RESULT: Under 8 themes, 32 sub-themes and 182 HPSR topics were identified. The identified research themes include leadership management and governance, health policy, health information system, healthcare financing, human resource for health, medical products and supply, service delivery and cross-cutting issues. CONCLUSIONS: Priority HPSR topics focussing on national health priority issues were identified. The identified topics were shared with policymakers and academic and research institutions. Evidence generation on the identified priority topics will guide future research endeavours and improve evidence-informed decision-making practice, health system performance and national health goals and targets.

A consensus-based electronic medical record template for pediatric morphea patient visits.

Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma, is an inflammatory sclerosing disorder of uncertain pathogenesis that affects the skin and underlying tissues. In the pediatric population, the disease often runs a chronic course with a high risk for irreversible sequelae; as such, patients often require long-term monitoring. The objective of this study is to develop a multi-center, consensus-based electronic medical record template for pediatric morphea patient visits using a modified Delphi method of iterative surveys. By facilitating consistent data collection and interpretation across medical centers and patient populations, this template may improve patient care for pediatric patients with morphea.

Consensus Guidelines of Irreversible Electroporation for Pancreatic Tumors: Protocol Standardization Using the Modified Delphi Technique.

Since no uniform treatment protocol for pancreatic irreversible electroporation (IRE) exists, the heterogeneity throughout literature complicates the comparison of results. To reach agreement among experts, a consensus study was performed. Eleven experts, recruited according to predefined criteria regarding previous IRE publications, participated anonymously in three rounds of questionnaires according to a modified Delphi technique. Consensus was defined as having reached ≥80% agreement. Response rates were 100, 64, and 64% in rounds 1 to 3, respectively; consensus was reached in 93%. Pancreatic IRE should be considered for stage III pancreatic cancer and inoperable recurrent disease after previous local treatment. Absolute contraindications are ventricular arrhythmias, implantable stimulation devices, congestive heart failure NYHA class 4, and severe ascites. The inter-electrode distance should be 10 to 20 mm and the exposure length should be 15 mm. After 10 test pulses, 90 treatment pulses of 1,500 V/cm should be delivered continuously, with a 90-µs pulse length. The first postprocedural contrast-enhanced computed tomography should take place 1 month post-IRE, and then every 3 months. This article provides expert recommendations regarding patient selection, procedure, and follow-up for IRE treatment in pancreatic malignancies through a modified Delphi consensus study. Future studies should define the maximum tumor diameter, response evaluation criteria, and the optimal number of preoperative FOLFIRINOX cycles.

An International and Multidisciplinary Consensus on the Labeling of Spatial Neglect Using a Modified Delphi Method.

Survivors of neurologic injury (most commonly stroke or traumatic brain injury) frequently experience a disorder in which contralesionally positioned objects or the contralesional features of individual objects are often left unattended or underappreciated. The disorder is known by >200 unique labels in the literature, which potentially causes confusion for patients and their families, complicates literature searches for researchers and clinicians, and promotes a fractionated conceptualization of the disorder. The objective of this Delphi was to determine if consensus (≥75% agreement) could be reached by an international and multidisciplinary panel of researchers and clinicians with expertise on the topic. To accomplish this aim, we used a modified Delphi method in which 66 researchers and/or clinicians with expertise on the topic completed at least 1 of 4 iterative rounds of surveys. Per the Delphi method, panelists were provided with results from each round prior to responding to the survey in the subsequent round with the explicit intention of achieving consensus. The panel ultimately reached consensus that the disorder should be consistently labeled spatial neglect. Based on the consensus reached by our expert panel, we recommend that researchers and clinicians use the label spatial neglect when describing the disorder in general and more specific labels pertaining to subtypes of the disorder when appropriate.

Establishing consensus on patient- and family-centered care in adult intensive care units: A Delphi survey.

PURPOSE: To establish consensus between intensive care unit (ICU) experts on concrete patient- and family-centered care statements for adult patients and relatives in the ICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We did a three-round Delphi survey with a panel of ICU health care professionals from 23 ICUs in Denmark. In round 1, participants answered 20 open-ended questions, based on existing evidence. Analysis of their responses generated close-ended statements, which participants primary rated on a five-point-Likert-scale, from very important to not important at all. In rounds 2 and 3., consensus was predefined as ≥75% of participants rating a statement important. RESULTS: Sixty-nine participated: 38 nurses, 24 physicians, and four occupational and physiotherapists. In total 96%, 90% and 72% answered the first, second, and third rounds, respectively. In round 1, participants answers resulted in >3000 statements that were analyzed into 82 condensed statements. After participants rated the statements in round 2 and 3, 47 statements reached consensus as important. CONCLUSIONS: The 47 statements rated to be important included interdisciplinary approaches to systematic information sharing and consultations with patients and family-members, with the aim being to accommodate patients and family-members´ individual needs throughout the ICU stay.

Spanish experts consensus on emergency psychiatric care in hospital emergency departments.

BACKGROUND: The demand for urgent psychiatric care is increasing, but in Spain there are no clear recommendations for emergency departments (ED) on how to optimize care for patients with psychiatric emergencies. We aimed to provide expert consensus recommendations on the requirements for general hospitals´ emergency departments to treat patients with urgent psychiatric symptoms. METHODS: We used a modified Delphi technique. A scientific committee compiled 36 statements based on literature search and clinical experience. The statements covered the organizational model, facilities, staffing, safety, patient interventions, and staff training. A panel of 38 psychiatry specialists with expertise in psychiatric emergencies evaluated the questionnaire in two rounds. RESULTS: After two rounds of voting, 30 out of 36 proposed items (83%) were agreed upon. The panel agreed that psychiatric emergencies should be managed in a general hospital, with dedicated facilities for patient assessment, direct supervision of patients at risk, and an observation unit run by the psychiatric service. In addition to the psychiatrist, the ED should have specialist nurses and security staff available 24/7. Social workers should also be readily available. ED and consulting rooms should be designed to ensure patient and staff safety. A triage system should be established for patients with psychiatric symptoms, with medical evaluation preceding psychiatric evaluation. Guidance on supplies, equipment, and staff training is also provided. CONCLUSION: All ED in general hospitals should have adequate resources to handle any psychiatric emergency. This paper provides recommendations on the minimum requirements to achieve this goal.

Design and development of a new pictorial tool to facilitate communication around advance care planning.

BACKGROUND: Advance care planning (ACP) aims to ensure that people with chronic or advanced disease receive medical care that is consistent with their values and preferences. However, professionals may find it challenging to engage these patients in conversations about the end of life. We sought to develop a pictorial tool to facilitate communication around ACP. METHODS: This was a three-phase study. In phase 1, we used the nominal group and Delphi techniques to achieve expert consensus regarding the conceptual content of the tool. In phase 2, a professional cartoonist was commissioned to create a series of cartoons representing each of the content areas resulting from the Delphi process. The pictorial tool was then administered (phase 3) with a sample of individuals with advanced/chronic disease to explore whether the cartoons were easy to understand and conveyed the intended message. RESULTS: Following a three-round Delphi process, consensus was reached regarding a set of 12 key content areas that should be considered in the context of an ACP interview. The cartoons created to represent each of the 12 areas were then reviewed and ordered so as to reflect the typical stages of an end-of-life care interview. After administering the pictorial tool with 24 frail older adults with advanced/chronic disease, changes were made to 9 of the 12 cartoons. CONCLUSIONS: The new pictorial tool comprises a set of 12 cartoons that can guide professionals as they seek to engage frail older adults with advanced/chronic disease in conversations about the end of life and ACP.

Development of advanced practice nursing core competencies in Saudi Arabia: A modified Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Advanced practice nursing requires a diverse set of competencies that define what advanced practice nurses need to know and be able to do to deliver safe, effective, and high-quality healthcare. Given the lack of evidence regarding core competencies and the evolution of advanced practice nursing roles in Saudi Arabia, it is becoming increasingly important to develop core competencies to standardize educational and clinical training programs. OBJECTIVE: To define the core competencies of advanced practice nursing in Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: Utilizing a modified Delphi design and snowball sampling technique, data were collected between April and July 2023 using an online questionnaire consisting of 28 core competencies that was developed based on an in-depth literature review and a critical analysis of advanced practice nursing core competencies published by leading professional organizations. Two rounds of Delphi surveys were conducted. SETTINGS: The study was set in clinical and academic settings in Saudi Arabia. PARTICIPANTS: Nursing experts with graduate degrees as advanced practice nurses. RESULTS: In Round 1, 34 advanced practice nursing experts reached full consensus on 24 of the 28 core competencies, and four core competencies reached partial consensus. Based on suggestions and feedback from the experts, the investigators revised ten core competencies to reflect the improvement suggestions and created three new core competencies. A total of 26 core competencies were used in Round 2, which achieved a full consensus among the 34 advanced practice nursing experts, under the following six core competency domains: knowledge of advanced practice nursing, person-centered care, professional improvement, professionalism, communication and interprofessional partnership, and leadership and system-based practice. CONCLUSIONS: Given the need for a standardized competency framework, the 26 core competencies proposed in our study have the potential to guide education and training in academic programs and facilitate the implementation of advanced practice nursing in clinical settings.

Substantial variability in what is considered important in the radiological report for anterior shoulder instability: a Delphi study with Dutch musculoskeletal radiologists and orthopedic surgeons.

Background: Standardized consensus-based radiological reports for shoulder instability may improve clinical quality, reduce heterogeneity, and reduce workload. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine important elements for the x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) arthrography (MRA), and computed tomography (CT) report, the extent of variability, and important MRI views and settings. Methods: An expert panel of musculoskeletal radiologists and orthopedic surgeons was recruited in a three-round Delphi design. Important elements were identified for the x-ray, MRA, and CT report and important MRI views and setting. These were rated on a 0-9 Likert scale. High variability was defined as at least one score between 1-3 and 7-9. Consensus was reached when ≥80% scored an element 1-3 or 7-9. Results: The expert panel consisted of 21 musculoskeletal radiologists and 15 orthopedic surgeons. The number of elements identified in the first round was seventeen for the x-ray report, 52 for MRA, 21 for CT, and 23 for the MRI protocol. The number of elements that reached consensus was five for x-ray, twenty for MRA, nine for CT, and two for the MRI protocol. High variability was observed in 76.5% (n = 13) x-ray elements, 85.0% (n = 45) MRA, 76.2% (n = 16) CT, and 85.7% (n = 18) MRI protocol. Conclusion: Substantial variability was observed in the scoring of important elements in the radiological for the evaluation of anterior shoulder instability, regardless of modality. Consensus was reached for five elements in the x-ray report, twenty in the MRA report, and nine in the CT report. Finally, consensus was reached on two elements regarding MRA views and settings.

Core contents for a menopausal health literacy intervention for South Korean middle-aged women: an e-Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: The attention on improving health literacy (HL) for self-management at the population level in many countries has been increasing. Although self-management among middle-aged women in the menopausal transition are important public health issues, few studies have developed the menopausal HL intervention reflecting the multidimensional aspects of HL. We aimed to generate consensus from an expert panel on the core contents of the menopausal HL intervention for middle-aged women based on the HL conceptual framework of the European Health Literacy Survey. METHODS: The panel comprised 20 experts from multiple disciplines (nursing, medicine, public health, and food and nutrition). We conducted the e-Delphi process in three rounds, asking the panel to evaluate and prioritize the appropriateness of the core contents and provide open-ended responses to additional comments about the menopausal HL intervention. The e-Delphi questionnaire was developed based on the HL framework, integrating health and HL domains. RESULTS: The experts reached a consensus on 38 components of the intervention. Among the 19 components of the four health domains, health topics in healthcare and disease prevention were more appropriate than those in health promotion. For the 19 HL competency components, strengthening the ability to access, appraise, and apply health information was more important than strengthening the ability to understand information. Finally, a consensus was achieved on the 12 priorities for intervention content by HL domains integrated with health domains. For example, contents included proper access to reliable information resources, understanding the definition and process of menopause, judging abnormal health symptoms, and performing the health checkups necessary for menopausal women. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide evidence for HL skills that nurses and other health professionals can consider when developing interventions to improve self-management among middle-aged women. Future research should focus on incorporating the core contents of multidimensional HL skills into menopausal HL interventions to improve self-management among middle-aged women.

Setting Regional Priorities for Palliative and End-of-Life Care Research Using a Delphi Technique Approach.

OBJECTIVE: Identifying research priorities is very important for palliative and end-of-life care to ensure research is focused on evidence gaps. This project aimed to identify and prioritise palliative and end-of-life care research areas within the West Midlands region in United Kingdom (UK). METHODS: A modified Delphi technique approach was used with palliative care stakeholders. The first round was item generation via rapid interviews. Data were analysed using content analysis and all the items were grouped into main categories. For round two, an online survey was conducted to present all the items from round one, and stakeholders were asked to rate the priority of items on a Likert-type scale (1 = not a priority to 7 = essential priority). Items that achieved consensus in round two were presented to the third round, where stakeholders ranked them in descending order. RESULTS: We completed and analysed 56 rapid interviews which resulted in 158 research items under 15 categories. The research items were rated by 30 stakeholders and seven items which reached consensus were subsequently ranked in order by 45 stakeholders. The highest ranked item was 'Integrated care systems to prevent crisis', followed by three research items related to 'equity' in palliative care. CONCLUSIONS: Our research priorities, although unique for our region, mirror previously research priorities from other regions and countries. This suggests issues of integration and equity in palliative and end-of-life care remain unresolved, despite ongoing initiatives and research to address these issues.

Achieving consensus on the key elements of a nurse-led multidisciplinary chronic heart failure service in Thailand: An e-Delphi study.

AIMS: To describe the outcomes of an e(electronic)-Delphi survey used to achieve consensus on the essential elements that should be included in a multidisciplinary, nurse-led service for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). DESIGN: The study design was based on a three-round e-Delphi survey. METHODS: A series of three survey rounds were used to gather expert opinions and achieve consensus on the key elements that should be included in a CHF disease management program from a sample of healthcare professionals and organizational leaders with expertise in existing CHF services. Consensus for each item was defined as at least 90% agreement. RESULTS: There were 20 participants (18 healthcare professionals and 2 organizational leaders) in round-1, 22 (20 healthcare professionals and 2 organizational leaders) in round-2, and 17 (15 healthcare professionals and 2 organizational leaders) in round-3. Fifteen participants attended a final online meeting (13 healthcare professionals and 2 organizational leaders). Consensus was obtained on five essential components: (i) consumer education, (ii) treatment optimization using a multidisciplinary approach, (iii) discharge planning, (iv) provision of supportive community care and (v) mechanisms to respond to early symptoms of decompensated CHF. CONCLUSION: Participants focused on mechanisms to improve treatment effectiveness, patient and family knowledge, communication between healthcare providers and supportive care in the community. The proposed model of care may be useful to other health service providers who are designing or adapting CHF models of care for the South-East Asian environment. IMPACT: This research provides a solid basis for using a Delphi method to resolve the challenges and issues of transferring global model-based recommendations in CHF knowledge. The Delphi method proved successful as an important step in developing a culturally acceptable model of chronic care that meets the goals of local healthcare providers.

Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Constraints in Patient Pathway and Mitigation Strategies.

Introduction: Respiratory diseases, ranking the third in Portugal, contribute significantly to illness and mortality. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third-leading cause of death globally. Identifying high-risk individuals and implementing early treatment is crucial due to the variability of COPD symptoms and exacerbations. This study aimed to identify effective strategies for preventing exacerbations and complications. Methods: A Delphi involving 15 experts was performed. Experts included physicians, nurses, health managers, policymakers, public health experts, and patient organizations. Consensus was achieved at 73.3% for each strategy using a scale ranging from "agree" to "disagree." Three rounds were conducted to address six questions related to early diagnosis and patient follow-up. Challenges faced by the Portuguese Health System in managing COPD, obstacles in COPD exacerbation diagnosis and management, and effective strategies to overcome barriers were identified in the first round. The second and third rounds involved analyzing the gathered information and voting on each indicator to achieve consensus, respectively. Indicators were categorized into constraints and barriers, and strategies for reducing COPD exacerbations and disease burden. Results: Out of a total of 134 valid indicators generated, 108 achieved consensus. Among the indicators agreed upon by experts, 18 pertained to barriers, challenges, and constraints, while 90 focused on action strategies for COPD. Among the strategies formulated, 25 consensus indicators target prevention strategies, 24 consensus indicators aim to enhance COPD referrals, and 41 consensus indicators focus on mitigating COPD exacerbations and reducing the overall disease burden. Discussion/Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for integrated investment in respiratory healthcare and recognition of the impact of COPD on patients, healthcare systems, and economies. Prevention and appropriate treatment of exacerbations are crucial for effective COPD management and reducing associated morbidity and mortality. Experts highlight the importance of improving coordination between different levels of care, integrating information systems, and decentralizing hospital responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the importance of individual and collective respiratory health, necessitating investment in health promotion and COPD awareness.

Introdução: As doenças respiratórias são uma das principais causas de doença e morte, ocupando o terceiro lugar em Portugal. Globalmente, a Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crónica (DPOC) é a terceira principal causa de morte, a seguir às doenças cardiovasculares e ao acidente vascular cerebral. Identificar indivíduos de alto risco e implementar tratamento precoce é crucial devido à variabilidade dos sintomas e exacerbações na DPOC. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar estratégias eficazes para prevenir exacerbações e complicações relacionadas. Métodos: Foi desenvolvido um estudo Delphi que envolveu 15 especialistas de diversas áreas, incluindo médicos, enfermeiros, gestores de saúde, decisores políticos, especialistas em saúde pública e representantes de organizações de pessoas com doença. Os especialistas utilizaram uma escala, variando de "Concordo" a "Discordo", para alcançar um nível de consenso de 73,3% para cada estratégia. Foram realizadas três rodadas para abordar seis perguntas relacionadas com o diagnóstico precoce e seguimento dos doentes. A primeira ronda centrou-se na identificação dos principais desafios enfrentados pelo sistema de saúde português na gestão da DPOC, dos obstáculos na identificação e gestão das exacerbações da DPOC e das estratégias eficazes para ultrapassar as barreiras identificadas. A segunda e a terceira rondas envolveram a análise da informação recolhida e a votação de cada indicador para obter consenso. Os indicadores resultantes foram categorizados em dois grupos: barreiras, desafios e constrangimentos na gestão da DPOC e estratégias de ação para melhorar a prevenção, a referenciação e diminuir exacerbações e o peso desta doença. Resultados: De um total de 134 indicadores válidos gerados, 108 obtiveram consenso. Dos indicadores consensualizados pelos peritos, 18 dizem respeito a barreiras, desafios e constrangimentos, enquanto 90 são referentes a estratégias de ação para a DPOC. Entre as estratégias formuladas, 25 indicadores com consenso visam estratégias de prevenção, 24 indicadores com consenso têm como alvo a referenciação da DPOC e 41 indicadores com consenso concentram-se em mitigar as exacerbações da DPOC e reduzir a carga da doença. Discussão/Conclusão: Este estudo enfatiza a necessidade de investimento integrado na saúde respiratória e o reconhecimento do impacto da DPOC na vida das pessoas, nos sistemas de saúde e na economia. A prevenção e o tratamento adequado das exacerbações são cruciais para uma gestão eficaz da DPOC e para reduzir a morbidade e a mortalidade associadas. Os especialistas destacam a importância de melhorar a coordenação entre diferentes níveis de cuidados, integrar sistemas de informação e descentralizar as responsabilidades hospitalares. A pandemia da COVID-19 reforçou a importância da saúde respiratória individual e coletiva, enfatizando a necessidade de investir na promoção da saúde e na consciencialização sobre a DPOC.

Investigation of current guidelines for prescribing spectacles to children using a modified Delphi approach and the AGREE II tool.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify clinical guidelines that provide recommendations on prescribing refractive error correction in children, evaluate the overall quality of these guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and Evaluation II (AGREE II) tool and subsequently gain consensus on the prescribing recommendations from high-quality guidelines using the modified Delphi technique. METHODS: A comprehensive search for prescribing guidelines was conducted using databases and professional websites. The quality appraisal of eligible guidelines was undertaken by scoring the six AGREE II domains. Subsequently, the modified Delphi technique was used by 10 experts (sub-specialist optometrists, ophthalmologists and orthoptists) to gain consensus on the prescribing recommendation statements extracted from guidelines that had been identified as high quality. Three rounds were conducted in which agreement of these statements were scored using a 9-point Likert scale with a free-text option for any additional comments. RESULTS: Five eligible guidelines were identified. The AGREE II tool demonstrated that the guidelines varied substantially in quality, with only one guideline identified as being of high quality. A total of 168 prescribing statements were reviewed in the Delphi procedure. Of these, 95 statements reached expert consensus as being appropriate prescribing recommendations. CONCLUSION: There is significant scope for improving current guidelines for prescribing refractive error correction in children. We used the modified Delphi technique to find points of agreement on prescribing recommendations to support professionals prescribing refractive error correction in children. We recommend that further work is needed to address gaps in the guidelines.

Review of the Australian nurse teacher professional practice standards: An e-Delphi study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to review the 2010 Australian nurse teacher professional practice standards ('the Standards') to see if they were still relevant to current nursing educator practice in any practice setting, such as academia or clinical settings. BACKGROUND: It has been over 10 years since 'the Standards have been reviewed. Nurse education practice has met many challenges in the past decade, so it is timely to evaluate whether the Standards are still relevant to nursing educators today. DESIGN: A modified Delphi technique was used for this study. METHODS: Delphi surveys were used to obtain consensus on the relevance of the Standards' statements to any nursing educator. Links to two electronic surveys were sent to an expert panel of nursing educator leaders. Also, two online focus groups of nursing educators from any practice setting or level of experience were held. Results from the first survey and focus groups led to word changes and additional statements, which were included in the second Delphi survey. RESULTS: Forty participants responded to the first survey and 38 to the second. Fifteen nursing educators attended the focus groups. There was ≥85 % agreement on all statements in the first survey. with similar high agreement responses in the second survey. Changes in the Standards included language used around culture, inclusion of 'sustainability of the program' and 'demonstrates knowledge and expertise in teaching and educational practice'. CONCLUSIONS: The Australian nurse teacher professional practice standards remain highly relevant to nursing educators across all practice settings. In response to feedback from nursing educators some changes to language and additional standard statements were included in the revised standards.