Creation of an innovative laser incident reporting form for improved trend analysis using the Delphi technique

With expanding numbers of laser applications, there is greater potential for laser radiation exposures. Proper surveillance and evaluation of laser incidents can lead to better injury prevention and more efficient medical treatment. Current laser incident databases do not provide sufficient information for surveillance and analysis of laser trends. A laser incident reporting form (LIRF) was created for U.S. Air Force applications by using the Delphi technique. To create the LIRF, four expert panels were formed by 40 health and safety professionals experienced with laser systems and medical evaluation of laser incidents. After three rounds of surveys, the final LIRF contained 100 data collection fields identifying the most valuable items for injury trend analysis. Although the LIRF was initially developed to collect USAF laser incident information, it could potentially act as the cornerstone for a new system serving the entire military system.