Achieving consensus on leadership competencies and outcome measures: The Pediatric Pulmonary Centers' experience

Pediatric Pulmonary Centers (PPCs) are federally funded interdisciplinary leadership training programs aiming to improve the health of families and children. This article describes the process PPCs used to efficiently and effectively achieve consensus on leadership training competencies and outcome measures among a large and diverse group of health professionals. Phase 1 used a modified Delphi technique to develop an initial set of competencies and outcome measures. Phase 2 used the nominal group technique and modified focus group strategies to refine and prioritize the competencies and outcomes measures. Participants reported being highly satisfied with the process and outcomes. In Phase 3, a formal program evaluation instrument was implemented, designed to measure the competency and describe the career paths and leadership accomplishments of previous trainees. The consensus process adopted can serve as a model for academic and public health entities seeking to achieve consensus on program goals, strategies, methods, priorities, and outcomes.