Developing a Health Services Research Agenda in Nurse Anesthesia Using a Modified Delphi Method

The authors sought to formalize a process and ascertain research priorities for nurse anesthesia, which resulted in a new Health Services Research (HSR) Agenda. After formation of an 8-member ad hoc committee (representing different stakeholders from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists [AANA]), a modified Delphi technique was used to determine the top 3 HSR research priorities for the 2016 fiscal year. The committee identified 24 high-priority HSR questions/topics specific to policy, education, or practice. An anonymous, web-based survey was distributed to the committee to rank and prioritize the 24 identified research questions using a 5-point Likert scale. Two consensus meetings and a second anonymous, web-based survey were conducted to prioritize the top 3 HSR questions. Through this systematic method, an HSR agenda was created based on the research questions initially submitted by the committee. The method used ensured that the new research agenda is relevant and reflects the priorities of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. This agenda was incorporated into the updated AANA and AANA Foundation Joint Research Program as suggested areas of research. This agenda is intended to focus investigators and funding organizations on highest priority areas in nurse anesthesia research.