Nominal group technique: An effective method for obtaining group consensus
Corresponding Author
Nichole Harvey RN EM CCritCare (Canberra) BN (QUT) MNSt (Flin Uni) GCEd (JCU) MRCNA MACMI
PhD Candidate, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Nichole Harvey, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorColin A Holmes BA(Hons) TCert MPhil PhD
Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Nichole Harvey RN EM CCritCare (Canberra) BN (QUT) MNSt (Flin Uni) GCEd (JCU) MRCNA MACMI
PhD Candidate, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Nichole Harvey, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorColin A Holmes BA(Hons) TCert MPhil PhD
Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Harvey N, Holmes CA. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 188–194
Nominal group technique: An effective method for obtaining group consensus
This paper aims to demonstrate the versatility and application of nominal group technique as a method for generating priority information. Nominal group technique was used in the context of four focus groups involving clinical experts from the emergency department (ED) and obstetric and midwifery areas of a busy regional hospital to assess the triage and management of pregnant women in the ED. The data generated were used to create a priority list of discussion triggers for the subsequent Participatory Action Research Group. This technique proved to be a productive and efficient data collection method which produced information in a hierarchy of perceived importance and identified real world problems. This information was vital in initiating the participatory action research project and is recommended as an effective and reliable data collection method, especially when undertaking research with clinical experts.
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