title: [The application of Delphi method in improving the score table for the hygienic quantifying and classification of hotels].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  By means of Delphi method and expert panel consultations, to choose suitable indicators and improve the score table for classifying the hygienic condition of hotels so that it can be widely used at nationwide.
  
  
  METHODS
  A two-round Delphi consultation was held to choose suitable indicators among 78 experts from 18 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. The suitable indicators were selected according to the importance recognized by experts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average length of service in public health of the experts was (21.08 +/- 5.78) years and the average coefficient of experts' authorities C(r) was 0.89 +/- 0.07. The response rates of the two-round consultation were 98.72% (77/78) and 100.00% (77/77). The average feedback time were (8.49 +/- 4.48) d, (5.86 +/- 2.28) d, and the difference between two rounds was statistically significant (t = 4.60, P < 0.01). Kendall's coefficient were 0.26 (chi(2) = 723.63, P < 0.01), 0.32 (chi(2) = 635.65, P < 0.01) and opinions among experts became consistent. The score table for the hygienic quantifying and classification of hotels was composed of three first-class indicators (hygienic management, hygienic facilities and hygienic practices) and 36 second-class indicators. The weight coefficients of the three first-class indicators were 0.35, 0.34, 0.31.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Delphi method might be used in a large-scale consultation among experts and be propitious to improve the score table for the hygienic quantifying and classification.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
authors.forename: Zi-yun
authors.initials: ZY
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yong-quan
authors.initials: YQ
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Hong-bo
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.forename: Qi
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Xia
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yong-wei
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Yi-ming
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Zhao
mesh_terms: D003697:Delphi Technique; D006798:Housing / Q000145:classification* / Q000592:standards; D006920:Hygiene; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000379:methods*