Delphi Consensus on Core Criteria Set Selecting Amongst Health-Related Outcome Measures (Hrom) in Primary Health Care.

OBJECTIVE: There has been a lack of consensus on which criteria are important when selecting health-related outcome measures (HROM), especially in primary health care A Delphi consensus was undertaken to identify core criteria for selecting amongst different HROM and contextual factors affecting decision-making. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A Delphi survey using standard methodology was employed to achieve consensus (75% agreement). Criteria (n=35) were selected from a targeted literature search; questions probed contextual factors that may influence selection of core criteria including: 1) weighting, 2) clinical contexts, and 3) Core Areas. Delphi participants included primary care practitioners, administrators, policymakers, researchers, and experts in HROM development. RESULTS: Participants (n=45) achieved consensus on 17 items in Round 1 (plus four new criteria) , with one more in Round 2. Unequal weighting of criteria was favoured and the type of clinical scenario did not influence selection of HROM. CONCLUSION: Eighteen core criteria from 39 were identified for inclusion in a core set, reflected predominately aspects of feasibility and acceptability. This is the first study providing evidence that contextual factors affect selection of HROM in a CCS. Care in primary health care is complex and therefore the items not reaching consensus may reflect this heterogeneity.