Use of Nominal Group Technique in Virtual Settings

This technical report discusses the application of Nominal Group Technique (NGT) methods in virtual settings, specifically using Microsoft Teams to facilitate group discussions aimed at achieving consensus among stakeholders. The report outlines the structured activities involved in NGT, which include idea generation, discussion, and ranking of ideas. It details the recruitment process for participants, emphasizing purposive sampling to ensure diverse and informative stakeholder representation. The authors share their experiences in conducting virtual nominal groups, highlighting the challenges encountered, such as participant attrition and the need for effective preparation of research materials. Recommendations for practice are provided, including the development of facilitator guides and pre-group information packages to enhance participant engagement and understanding of the processes involved. The report aims to contribute to the knowledge base surrounding the implementation of NGT in healthcare research, particularly in the context of improving responses to clinically deteriorating patients.