Using the Delphi Method to Develop a Ward Nurses’ Dietary Support Scale for the Elderly after Discharge

Abstract

The study aimed to refine the items used to develop a ward nurses’ dietary support scale for the elderly after their discharge, using the Delphi method. The Delphi method was conducted in three rounds with a target population of 200 nurses active in nutrition support teams, dietary and nutritional management, and nutrition support. In the first round, 69 items were extracted by a conceptual analysis of “nurses’ support for elderly patients’ eating behaviors in predicting post-discharge wellbeing,” and based on the results of interviews with experienced home care nurses. The items were shown to the participants for rating on a 5-point Likert scale. A total of 55 nurses responded to the first survey (28% response rate) ; the agreement rate was 51% or higher for all 69 items in the first round, and the number of items was revised to 63 based on free descriptions. In the second survey, feedback was provided to the 55 participants of the first survey ; their response was sought on the 63 revised items, and 39 nurses replied (71% response rate). Although all 63 items had an agreement rate of 51% or higher, the number of items was revised to 51 based on free descriptions. In the third survey, we provided feedback to the respondents of the second survey and sought responses for the 51 revised items ; 38 nurses responded (70% response rate), and the agreement rate was 51% or higher for all items. These 51 items consisted of 28 items on the nutrition support scale and 23 items on the dietary support scale. Future studies are required to verify the reliability and validity of these items and examine whether they can be used as a scale.