Synchronous online nominal group sessions in times of COVID-19: recommendations for researchers based on a Fishbone analysis

Primary Care Academy: lessons learned from a large-scale innovative primary care project

Introduction and context

The social and healthcare system faces numerous challenges, with primary care playing a key role in achieving universal and equitable health coverage. However, the primary care field often struggles with limited research capacity, activity, and funding.

The Primary Care Academy

To address these gaps, the Primary Care Academy (PCA) - a large-scale, innovative, interdisciplinary research and networking organization, encompassing then organization in the primary care field, was established and funded in 2019 by the Fund Dr. Daniel De Coninck, a charity foundation, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, attempted to fil this gap.

Objectives

The aim of this study was identifying lessons learned on the implementation and achievements of a large-scale, innovative research and network organization, specifically the PCA.

Method

This study evaluates the PCA's development process, focusing on its key achievements and critical elements by using a mixed-method data collection approach. After 5 years of rigorous collaboration, several lessons can be drawn regarding accomplishments and process flow, particularly in terms of a shared and clear vision, governance, leadership, and organizational culture.

Discussion and conclusion

These lessons can inform future adaptations in the continuation of the PCA and serve as a guide for other caritative large-scale innovative initiatives.

A reflection on the use of virtual nominal group technique in health policy and research priority consensus studies

BACKGROUND

Nominal group technique (NGT) is widely used in healthcare research to facilitate decision-making and consensus-building. Traditional NGT requires face-to-face interaction and its limitations include potential biases, logistical challenges and high costs. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to virtual methods, which led to the development of virtual nominal group technique (vNGT). Aim To reflect on the use of vNGT, particularly in the context of Ghader et al (2023 ), to understand its effectiveness in overcoming the limitations of traditional NGT and on its applicability in pandemic-affected scenarios.

METHOD

This paper reviews and discusses literature on the use and effectiveness of NGT compared to other consensus-building methods and examines the emergence of vNGT in overcoming the limitations of traditional NGT. The authors also reflect on their use of vNGT in a study to identify cardiovascular research priorities in the UAE and provide details of its implementation.

DISCUSSION

vNGT bridges the gap between the localised nature of traditional NGT and the global reach of the Delphi technique. It allows for the inclusion of diverse participants, saves costs and offers time-efficiency. The study demonstrated vNGT's adaptability, with participants engaging in idea generation, discussion and prioritisation using online tools. However, challenges persist with vNGT, including reduced accessibility for certain demographics, timing issues across time zones and technical difficulties.

CONCLUSION

vNGT successfully integrates the interactive, consensus-building aspects of NGT with the broad reach of Delphi. It can be valuable in research and decision-making, especially in an era of increased remote collaboration.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

vNGT can significantly impact healthcare research and policy formulation by enabling more inclusive, cost-effective and timely consensus-building processes. However, considerations for accessibility and technical support are crucial for its wider adoption and effectiveness.

Transforming healthcare: A pilot study to improve primary healthcare professionals' self-management support behaviour through blended learning

BACKGROUND

Self-management of a chronic condition is a complex but increasingly important issue. However, a supportive attitude and behaviour among healthcare professionals is hampered by a lack of awareness, knowledge and motivation. In addition, the role of professionals in supporting self-management seems unclear.

METHODS

A blended learning program for primary healthcare professionals was developed to strengthen self-management support in primary care. The program was piloted in community health centres and multidisciplinary medical practices in Flanders. Using the Kirkpatrick model, the impact on healthcare professionals' reaction, learning and behaviour regarding self-management support was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 60 healthcare professionals registered for the educational program. Post-learning questionnaires and verbal feedback showed a positive response, with professionals highly appreciating the innovative blended learning approach. In terms of learning, participants showed a good understanding of self-management support, although nuances were observed in the application of acquired knowledge to practice scenarios. Finally, preliminary insights into behavioural change were explored, revealing a positive impact of the intervention on participants' supportive self-management behaviours in healthcare practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides preliminary insights into the outcomes of a blended learning program designed to increase awareness and knowledge of self-management support among professionals. The program needs to be refined for general implementation in primary care.

The use of virtual nominal groups in healthcare research: An extended scoping review

INTRODUCTION

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a consensus group method used to synthesize expert opinions. Given the global shift to virtual meetings, the extent to which researchers leveraged virtual platforms is unclear. This scoping review explores the use of the vNGT in healthcare research during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Following the Arksey and O'Malley's framework, eight cross-disciplinary databases were searched (January 2020-July 2022). Research articles that reported all four vNGT stages (idea generation, round robin sharing, clarification, voting) were included. Media Synchronicity Theory informed analysis. Corresponding authors were surveyed for additional information.

RESULTS

Of 2,589 citations, 32 references were included. Articles covered healthcare (27/32) and healthcare education (4/32). Platforms used most were Zoom, MS Teams and GoTo but was not reported in 44% of studies. Only 22% commented on the benefits/challenges of moving the NGT virtually. Among authors who responded to our survey (16/32), 80% felt that the vNGT was comparable or superior.

CONCLUSIONS

The vNGT provides several advantages such as the inclusion of geographically dispersed participants, scheduling flexibility and cost savings. It is a promising alternative to the traditional in-person meeting, but researchers should carefully describe modifications, potential limitations, and impact on results.

Protocol for an extended scoping review on the use of virtual nominal group technique in research

INTRODUCTION

Consensus group methods such as the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) and Delphi method are commonly used in research to elicit and synthesize expert opinions when evidence is lacking. Traditionally, the NGT involves a face-to-face interaction. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many in-person meetings have moved to online settings. It is unclear to what extent the NGT has been undertaken in virtual settings. The overarching aim of this scoping review is to explore the use of the virtual NGT in research. Our specific objectives are to answer the following questions: To what extent has the NGT been used virtually? What modifications were made to accommodate this online format? What advantages and disadvantages were noted by authors in comparison with the face-to-face mode of the technique?

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This scoping review will follow the steps outlined by Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Several pilot searches were completed to refine inclusion and exclusion criteria. Media Synchronicity Theory will provide a conceptual framework to inform the research, including data extraction and summarizing results. As an additional extension to the literature review, online interviews with corresponding authors will be conducted to gather further information.

Development and Pilot Testing of a Dispensing Protocol on Emergency Contraceptive Pills for Community Pharmacists in Belgium

Community pharmacists in Belgium frequently dispense emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs). However, variable and insufficient counseling practices exist across pharmacies, highlighting the need for standardization and quality improvement strategies. The aim of this project was to develop and test an ECP dispensing protocol for pharmacists. An ‘experience-based’ co-design approach involving academic and practicing pharmacists was applied, followed by a 4-month test period and interviews to assess users’ experiences. In total, eight geographically dispersed pharmacies participated. Pharmacists (n = 15) reached a consensus on most items to be included in the protocol, which was subsequently tested in seven pharmacies, with overall 97 registered ECP conversations. Pharmacists considered the protocol complete but felt that not all items should be mentioned/questioned during all conversations. They suggested only subtle modifications to be made prior to delivering a final protocol ready for nationwide distribution. Despite attributing positive effects to having a protocol, no single pharmacist ‘actively’ used it at-the-counter but used it instead as a ‘checklist’ after the encounter. Pharmacists found that the paper-based format of the protocol hindered protocol-based dispensing. Future research is needed to provide evidence on the actual benefits of protocol application, as well as to identify factors influencing the implementation of ECP dispensing using a software-integrated protocol.