A Delphi Consensus Checklist for Evaluating the Quality of Snakebite First Aid Education Materials

Distribution of inaccurate or misleading information concerning snakebite first aid can potentiate inappropriate and harmful practices in real-life snakebite incidents. This study aimed to develop a consensus-based checklist for evaluating the quality of educational materials on snakebite first aid.

Experts in snakebite management, emergency medicine and toxicology were recruited through a structured invitation process. In a two-round Delphi exercise, the experts completed questionnaires to rate each item of a pre-developed 24-item checklist. Item inclusion was determined by a consensus threshold of ≥ 7 points from ≥ 75% of the expert panel. Anonymous inputs on modifying or adding items were solicited.

Of the 48 initial participants, 38 (79.2%) completed both rounds (representatives of 21 nations with a median of 16 years of experience in acute medicine and toxicology). The Delphi process resulted in a 20-item final checklist encompassing critical aspects of snakebite first aid, including safety (n = 3), call for help (n = 1), assessment (n = 2), transport (n = 1), vital signs (n = 1), recovery position (n = 1), CPR (n = 1), support (n = 1), positioning (n = 1), observation (n = 1), handling the bite site (n = 3), restricting physical activity (n = 1), immobilisation (n = 2) and avoidance of unnecessary actions (n = 1).

The formulated consensus-based checklist may serve as a tool for educators, healthcare professionals and organisations to ensure the accuracy and completeness of educational materials, ultimately contributing to improved snakebite first aid management outcomes. Future work should focus on validating the checklist's effectiveness and adapting it to various languages and regional practices, contributing to a standardised framework for snakebite education globally.