Lost in definitions: Reducing duplication and clarifying definitions of knowledge and decision support tools. A RAND-modified Delphi consensus study.

BACKGROUND

A review of tools for knowledge translation and decision support yielded an abundance of tool types and confusion over the definitions of these knowledge tools. The aim of this study was to limit the number of tool types, reach consensus on their definitions and clarify their intended use.

METHODS

We used the RAND-modified Delphi approach to select a core set of knowledge tools and to reach agreement on the tools' definitions. The knowledge tool types were scored using a Likert scale in two Delphi rounds on importance; the provided definitions were also scored and commented on by the experts.

RESULTS

Over 20 experts from parties involved with development of knowledge and decision support tools limited the number of tool types from 34 to 13. The Delphi-participants reached consensus on nine tools as being important for knowledge translation and supporting (shared) decision-making. Furthermore, they reached consensus on the definition of five of the 13 tools.

CONCLUSIONS/DISCUSSION: A large group of experts, representatives of Dutch knowledge tool developers, managed to reach consensus on a core set of 13 knowledge tool types for the Netherlands. Implementing the use of this set and limiting the expansion with other tool types remains challenging.