Expert Consensus on COVID-19 Vaccination in Korean Adolescents: A Modified Delphi Survey

Establishing a Framework for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Vaccines Targeting National Vaccination Programs

BACKGROUND

The increasing number of vaccines and the complexity of immunization programs, along with continuous changes in the epidemiology of infectious diseases, necessitate a systematic approach to vaccine effectiveness (VE) evaluation. This study presents a preliminary survey to establish a VE evaluation framework in Korea, focusing on the National Immunization Program.

METHODS

Experts' opinions were collected through a two-round online survey targeting key stakeholders. The first round consisted of two multiple-choice questions and two open-ended questions. The second round was a quantitative survey with 17 questionnaires based on five domains derived by analyzing the results of the first-round survey.

RESULTS

The results emphasize the necessity and urgency of a government-led VE evaluation system and the establishment of a multidisciplinary evaluation organization. Key considerations include personnel, budget, data integration, legal standards, and surveillance system enhancements.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the need for collaboration, financial support, and robust data management in developing evidence-based vaccination policies.

Healthcare Policy Agenda for a Sustainable Healthcare System in Korea: Building Consensus Using the Delphi Method

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to suggest priority tasks necessary for building a sustainable healthcare system in Korea based on the Delphi consensus among healthcare professionals.

METHODS

Twenty-five items covering the three categories that make up healthcare policy (healthcare demand, supply, and environment) were selected based on a literature evaluation. Email surveys were also analyzed using a two-round modified Delphi method. Of 59 experts, 21 completed the first and second rounds. Each item asked about the degree of importance and urgency, and the answers were rated on a 9-point Likert scale. A coefficient of variation less than 50% for each item in the Delphi survey meant that consensus was reached. Only items that meet a predetermined threshold are prioritized (agreement ≥ 90%, average importance score and urgency score ≥ 6.5).

RESULTS

Eight items that satisfy all three criteria were set as priorities for a sustainable healthcare system. These tasks are "Securing the financial soundness of the National Health Insurance (NHI)," "Solving the problem of low fertility," "Strengthening response to public health crises such as infectious or environmental diseases," "Bio-health technology innovation using D.N.A (Data, Network, AI)," "Intensive management of dementia patients," "Mental healthcare and suicide prevention," "Reform of the operation structure of the NHI Service," and "Reform the healthcare delivery system and payment system."

CONCLUSION

The eight items for which consensus was reached in this study should be prioritized for Korea's sustainable healthcare system. Health policy makers will need to put considerable effort into researching and establishing these priorities.