IngentaConnect A Delphi Study to Update the American Dental Hygienists Associati...

Abstract:

Objective. The purpose of this study was to update the NDHRA to reflect current research priorities aimed at meeting national health objectives and to systematically advance dental hygiene's unique body of knowledge.

Methods. 49 dental hygiene experts and key opinion leaders representing all domains of the profession agreed to participate in a Delphi study to update and gain consensus on the NDHRA. IRB approval was obtained from USC. The study was carried out electronically in 3 phases: a development phase, 2 rounds of mailed questionnaires to gain consensus on topics, and one round to prioritize topics. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and instrument reliability was analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Cronbach's Alpha for internal consistency.

Results. 112 topics reflecting 5 research agenda categories were identified during phase one. Through phase 2, 36 topics were eliminated and consensus was reached on 40 of the remaining 76 topics. Return rates of 100% and 95% were achieved for the 2 survey rounds. Instrument reliability was established at .76 and internal consistency at .87. Priorities for the 5 NDHRA categories were identified based on the importance of the topic to improving the health of the public and to advancing dental hygiene.

Outcomes. Each category comprising the NDHRA was well represented by the 40 topics. Thus, consensus on the national agenda was achieved. Identified priorities will be used to revise the NDHRA, direct future research efforts, identify research funding initiatives and guide education and practice.

This project is funded by the ADHA.

A Delphi Study to Update the American Dental Hygienists' Association National Dental Hygiene Research Agenda (NDHRA)