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.