The development of a position statement using the Delphi technique.

The need to develop practice-related documents in an accurate, efficient, and economical manner is the responsibility of the Board of Directors of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA). When the results of large, randomized, controlled, clinical trials are available, documents can be based on the information published in scientific literature. GI nursing, however, is in a novice phase regarding controlled research trials; thus, other methods of obtaining reliable information are required. The Delphi technique was selected to obtain the consensus of experts. The Delphi technique enables a free and open exchange of ideas while respecting the economics of a deficit budget. This article describes the Delphi process and the manner in which it was used to prepare the SGNA position statement, "Responsibilities of the Gastroenterology Registered Nurse related to Conscious Sedation."