The Delphi Technique Delphi studies are frequently used in healthcare, with the goal of establishing consensus on a particular topic [13]. Iterative rounds of structured surveys are administered

#selleck chemicals DAPT secretase randurls[1|1|,|CHEM1|]# to a group of experts on the topic, who rank each item. On subsequent rounds, each panel member views the ranking they assigned to each item, as well as the group mean ranking. Participants have the opportunity to revise their Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical ranking, taking into consideration the group mean. The rounds continue until consensus is achieved, or a predetermined end point is met. The technique is beneficial because consensus can occur in an anonymous format, without physically bringing experts together. Four key features make Delphi studies well suited for determining group consensus: Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical anonymity of responses; iteration with controlled feedback; statistical group response; and, the use of experts [14]. The results of a Delphi study can help direct future research, continuing education and allocation of resources. The obvious limitation of such a consensus

study is the results are not linked to actual patient outcomes, and therefore the results are only as good as the panel members’ opinions. Nevertheless, the opinion and experiences of EMS experts is useful to inform the most important instances of CDM that occur during a high acuity ambulance calls. The CDM instances that are found to be the Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical most important will be organized in a process analysis map. This Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical strategy has been developed for emergency medicine using a modified Delphi approach [15-17]. The model will enable gaps in research, knowledge and practice to be identified. Objective Using expert consensus, the instances of clinical decision making that are required by paramedics on typical high acuity ambulance calls will be determined, in terms of their importance to clinical outcome and patient safety. Methods and design Study Design This cross-sectional study will use the Delphi technique to achieve consensus amongst EMS experts

on the most important instances of Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical clinical decision making by paramedics during high acuity emergency calls, in the ground ambulance setting. These Brefeldin_A instances will be scored on importance, based on their anticipated impact on patient clinical outcome and patient safety. The final consensus will be used to develop a process analysis map of paramedic clinical decision making. Setting and Population Subjects for this study will be recruited using purposive and criterion sampling. The goal is to have a sample of EMS experts from across Canada, which will include EMS medical directors and paramedic leaders. Two key organizations will be targeted for recruitment: the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians EMS Committee and the EMS Chiefs of Canada. An expression of interest posting will be distributed throughout these two organizations.