Delphi consensus on core criteria set selecting among health-related outcome measures (HROM) in primary health care

There has been a lack of consensus on which criteria are important when selecting health-related outcome measures (HROM), especially in primary health care A Delphi consensus was undertaken to identify core criteria for selecting among different HROM and contextual factors affecting decision-making.

A Delphi survey using standard methodology (consensus set as 75% agreement) was sent to primary care practitioners, administrators, policymakers, researchers and experts in HROM development. Criteria (n = 35) were selected from a targeted literature search; questions probed contextual factors that may influence selection of core criteria including the following: 1) weighting, 2) clinical contexts, and 3) core areas.

Participants (n = 45) achieved consensus on 17 items in round 1 (plus four new criteria), with one more item in round 2. Unequal weighting of criteria was favored, and the type of clinical scenario did not influence selection of HROM.

Eighteen core criteria from 39 were identified for inclusion in a core set, reflected predominately aspects of feasibility and acceptability. This is the first study providing evidence that contextual factors affect selection of HROM in a core criteria set. Care in primary health care is complex, and therefore, the items not reaching consensus may reflect this heterogeneity.