Standards for research in NHS Wales critical care units: A modified Delphi study

Abstract

Introduction: The importance of research and development in all aspects of healthcare is well acknowledged. Within critical care, national guidelines provide a limited number of standards and series of recommendations on Research and Development (R&D) activity. The aim of this study was to create a broader set of standards in support of R&D activity in critical care departments. Methods: A modified Delphi study was undertaken across NHS Wales critical care units. Proposed standards were developed by a group of experts, which across three rounds, majority agreement was sought. Additional standards were added based on participant’s responses. Results: This study identified 49 standards for R&D activity within critical care units in NHS Wales. All these standards reached majority agreement, as determined by >70% of multi-disciplinary participants determine each standard as essential. Conclusions: The results of this study will be utilised within Wales to inform wider service specification with regard workforce requirements, responsibilities, reporting and collaboration.