An international expert Delphi study to determine research needs in major incident management.

OBJECTIVE

To collate the opinions of experts and to reach consensus about the research priorities in the management of major incidents.

DESIGN

A three-round e-Delphi study was conducted using an international panel of experts drawn from active researchers and active educators in major incident management. General areas for consideration were derived from the literature analysis undertaken as part of the overall project.

RESULTS

Experts generated 221 statements in 11 topic areas in the first round. Fifty-one of these statements reached consensus in Round 2. A further 23 statements reached consensus in Round 3, leaving 147 statements that did not reach consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

An international expert panel reached consensus on 74 topics of research priority in major incidents management. The strongest themes within these topics were education and training, planning, and communication.