title: Use of modified Delphi to plan knowledge translation for decision makers: an application in the field of advanced practice nursing.
abstract: Disseminating research to decision makers is difficult. Interaction between researchers and decision makers can identify key messages and processes for dissemination. To gain agreement on the key findings from a synthesis on the integration of advanced practice nurses, we used a modified Delphi process. Nursing decision makers contributed ideas via e-mail, discussed and clarified ideas face to face, and then prioritized statements. Sixteen (89%) participated and 14 (77%) completed the final phase. Priority key messages were around access to care and outcomes. The majority identified "NPs increase access to care" and "NPs and CNSs improve patient and system outcomes" as priority messaging statements. Participants agreed policy makers and the public were target audiences for messages. Consulting with policy makers provided the necessary context to develop tailored policy messages and is a helpful approach for research dissemination.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada carternm@mcmaster.ca.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.affiliation: Program in Policy Decision-Making, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Political Science, McMaster Health Forum, and WHO Collaborating Centre for Evidence-Informed Policy, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: John N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Lavis
authors.affiliation: Strategic Policy Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: MacDonald-Rencz
mesh_terms: D057179:Advanced Practice Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002170:Canada; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D003697:Delphi Technique; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: advanced practice nursing; clinical nurse specialist; decision making; knowledge translation and exchange; nurse practitioner; research dissemination