Delphi based consensus study into planning for chemical incidents
- 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
- 2The National Focus for Chemical Incidents, University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC), Cardiff, UK
- Correspondence to: Dr I W F Crawford Department of Emergency Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK; ian.crawfordcmmc.nhs.uk
- Accepted 2 February 2003
Abstract
Objective: To achieve consensus in all phases of chemical incident planning and response.
Design: A three round Delphi study was conducted using a panel of 39 experts from specialties involved in the management of chemical incidents. Areas that did not reach consensus in the Delphi study were presented as synopsis statements for discussion in four syndicate groups at a conference hosted by the Department of Health Emergency Planning Co-ordination Unit.
Results: A total of 183 of 322 statements had reached consensus upon completion of the Delphi study. This represented 56.8% of the total number of statements. Of these, 148 reached consensus at >94% and 35 reached consensus at >89%. The results of the process are presented as a series of synopsis consensus statements that cover all phases of chemical incident planning and response.
Conclusions: The use of a Delphi study and subsequent syndicate group discussions achieved consensus in aspects of all phases of chemical incident planning and response that can be translated into practical guidance for use at regional prehospital and hospital level. Additionally, areas of non-consensus have been identified where further work is required.
