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Delphi based consensus study into planning for chemical incidents.
I W F Crawford1, K Mackway-Jones, D R Russell
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK. ian.crawford@cmmc.nhs.uk
Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ
|January 22, 2004
Summary
This study used a Delphi method and syndicate discussions to reach consensus on chemical incident planning and response. The findings provide practical guidance for prehospital and hospital levels, identifying areas for future research.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health Preparedness
- Chemical Incident Management
Background:
- Effective planning and response to chemical incidents are critical for public safety.
- Existing guidelines may lack comprehensive consensus across all phases of management.
- Expert consensus is needed to standardize protocols for chemical incident response.
Framework:
- A multi-round Delphi study involving 39 experts from relevant specialties was employed.
- Consensus was sought on 322 statements covering all aspects of chemical incident planning and response.
- Non-consensus areas were further discussed in syndicate groups at a dedicated conference.
Implementation:
- The Delphi study achieved consensus on 183 out of 322 statements (56.8%).
- High consensus (>94%) was reached on 148 statements, and substantial consensus (>89%) on 35 statements.
- The outcomes were synthesized into synopsis consensus statements for practical application.
Implications:
- The study successfully generated consensus statements applicable to all phases of chemical incident management.
- The findings can inform practical guidance for regional prehospital and hospital emergency planning.
- Identified areas of non-consensus highlight crucial gaps requiring further investigation and research.