title: Variable agreement among experts regarding Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease.
abstract: Data regarding many clinical aspects of pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (pMAC) are lacking. Guidelines rely substantially upon expert opinion, integrated through face-to-face meetings, variably weighting individual opinions. We surveyed North American non-tuberculous mycobacteria experts regarding clinical aspects of pMAC using Delphi methods. Nineteen of 26 invited experts (73%) responded, with extensive variability. Convergence could not be reached for most questions. Respondents described extensive uncertainty around specific issues. Findings underscore urgent need for more research.
authors.affiliation: Joint Division of Respirology, University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Theodore K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Marras
authors.forename: D Rebecca
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Prevots
authors.forename: Frances B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Jamieson
authors.forename: Kevin L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Winthrop
mesh_terms: D003697:Delphi Technique; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015269:Mycobacterium avium Complex; D015270:Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D009656:North America; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
keywords: Delphi technique; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection; mycobacterium infection; non-tuberculous mycobacterium; practice guideline