Background:
Developing a useful and effective survey tool can be difficult. Developing a valid survey tool that can be utilized without geographical bias can present even more challenges. Can the Delphi Process of anonymous group consensus be utilized to develop a survey tool that does not possess geographical bias? Methods: IRB approval was granted before any research began. The Delphi Process can be utilized to allow all participants equal voice in the creation process. The members of the Delphi panel should consist of experts in the field for which the Delphi was convened. Through anonymous feedback the end product or tool of the Delphi process is considered to possess validity and reliability. A survey tool was developed and then distributed to the stakeholders. The stakeholders then provided feedback and face validity was obtained. An invitation was then sent to the state representative of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) inquiring if they would agree to participate in a survey validation process. The NASN was chosen as they were considered the experts on the topics of this survey. In addition, efforts were made to have equal representation from all sections of United States. The participants were asked to evaluate each question on question clarity, comprehensiveness, and ease of answering. A Likert scale of 0 to 3 was utilized to rate the approval rating of the question as well as a comment box for feed back. As a question received 75% approval, it was then removed from the evaluation process and considered approved by the committee.
Results:
Over the course of 4 rounds, all questions received approval. Questions were modified based upon feedback of the Delphi Panel and then resubmitted for approval. The resultant survey received approval by the Delphi members and was considered to possess reliability and validity.
Conclusions:
As a result of this study, a research tool can be utilized to create a tool that does not possess geographical bias. This process was used to develop and validate a survey. This same process could also be utilized to develop other tools and/or processes. Disclosures: None.
