Which outcomes should be included in a core outcome set for capturing and measuring doctor well-being? A Delphi study

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo develop a core outcome set (COS) to capture and measure the well-being of doctors working in the NHS.DesignAn online Delphi study.SettingUnited Kingdom National Health Service.ParticipantsParticipants from four stakeholder groups: i) those who might use the COS in research, ii) organisations that measure/capture NHS staff wellbeing, iii) professionals with experience managing NHS staff wellbeing, and iv) NHS doctors, were identified through authorship of relevant publications, attendee lists of doctor well-being conferences and meetings, professional bodies, participation in a previous study and recommendations from others. They were recruited via email.MethodA two-stage process: 1) creating a list of 43 wellbeing outcomes informed by a systematic review of wellbeing measurement instruments, a survey of UK doctors and 2 doctor engagement workshops, and 2) an online modified Delphi study (with two rounds) to reach consensus. Outcomes were rated on a 9-point Likert scale; ‘consensus’ was reached when<75% agreed that an outcome was critical for inclusion in the COS.ResultsFifty-two participants completed both Delphi rounds. Seven wellbeing outcomes met the threshold for inclusion in the COS: General wellbeing, Health, Personal safety, Job satisfaction, Morale, Life work balance, and Good clinical practice.ConclusionUse of the COS has the potential to reduce heterogeneity and standardise the capture and measurement of doctor well-being and ensure outcomes important to all stakeholders are reported.Trial registrationThis study was prospectively registered with the COMET initiativewww.comet-initiative.org(Registration: 1577)