Consensus on the definition and attributes of person-centered teamwork: An e-Delphi study

Alida Viljoen; Ronell Leech; Paul Slater; Tanya Heyns

doi:10.1111/wvn.12724

Consensus on the definition and attributes of person-centered teamwork: An e-Delphi study

Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2024 Apr 4. doi: 10.1111/wvn.12724. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Alida Viljoen¹, Ronell Leech¹, Paul Slater², Tanya Heyns¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
² Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland.

PMID: 38576086
DOI: 10.1111/wvn.12724

Abstract

Background: Effective health care relies on person-centeredness and teamwork, which are known to improve outcomes. These two concepts have been defined individually, but we could not find a definition of the combined concept. A preliminary definition was developed through a concept analysis; however, consensus on the concept has not been reached.

Aim: The aim of this study was to reach consensus on the definition and attributes of person-centered teamwork.

Methods: A consensus design allowed experts to collaborate and share their experience and wisdom to refine and reach consensus on the definition and attributes of person-centered teamwork. An e-Delphi was used to engage the experts.

Results: Three rounds of online engagement with 12 experts were needed to reach consensus on the definition and attributes of person-centered teamwork. The attributes reached consensus of 82% after the first round. The definition had 82% consensus after the three rounds. The definition had been adjusted and refined according to the expert input. The newly adjusted definition was established.

Linking evidence to action: We successfully used the e-Delphi method to obtain consensus on the attributes and definition of person-centered teamwork. The definition of person-centered teamwork can be further developed and included in clinical practice to guide improved clinical outcomes. The consensus definition of person-centered teamwork provides a clear understanding of the meaning thereof, which may in turn enrich the usability thereof in clinical practice. Person-centered teams improve outcomes for persons receiving care in hospitals. Building person-centered teams are now better understood and the foundation of building these teams defined. We engaged with 12 experts in the academic and clinical field of person-centeredness and teamwork. The use and value of the Delphi method to obtain consensus is now better understood and can assist future research development.

Keywords: defining; e‐Delphi; person‐centered teamwork; person‐centeredness; teamwork.