2. Methods
To assess the consensus on the appropriateness of therapy with dornase
alfa for CF patients, we used an online Delphi-based method
(Estimate-Talk-Estimate)11. This is a
group-facilitative method designed to verify the convergence of opinion
of a panel of experts in a given area of uncertainty within
health-related research. The experts have to complete anonymously a
series of structured questionnaires anonymously in order to reach the
most reliable group consensus according to both evidence and individual
experience. By completing and returning the questionnaire, each
participant consented of be involved in the study.
The process was developed over nearly seven months by the following
steps: (i) establishment of a scientific steering committee of six
experts who were in charge preliminarily of reviewing the literature and
then of developing the statements to be ranked; (ii) selection of an
expert panel of specialists; (iii) online statement ranking by each
expert; (iv) collection and analysis of the results; (v) final consensus
meeting.