Community Specialist Teams for Older People Consensus Development: A Real-Time Delphi Approach

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Healthcare Management
• Service Delivery Models

Background:

• The need for standardized service models for older people's community specialist teams (CST OP) is critical.
• Existing CST OP models may lack core, consistently defined elements.
• Lack of consensus hinders effective implementation and delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve consensus on the essential components of the Community Specialist Teams for Older People (CST OP) service model.
• To develop a unified framework for CST OP service design and delivery.
• To ensure consistency and quality in CST OP care.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi approach was employed.
• World Café Focus Groups (n=97) were used to generate and refine statements.
• A Real-Time Delphi survey with 77 participants (78% response rate) finalized the core elements.

Main Results:

• Four primary themes emerged: service design fundamentals, access and care transitions, team functions, and quality improvement.
• These themes informed the Delphi survey, leading to refined statements.
• Agreement was reached on a core set of statements defining the CST OP model.

Conclusions:

• The modified Delphi approach successfully refined and agreed upon core CST OP statements.
• These statements provide a clear outline of the CST OP service model's key components.
• The agreed-upon model will guide future implementation and delivery, ensuring consistency in the CST OP model of care.