Online Utilization of the Nominal Group Technique to Gather Consensus Opinion Across Geographically Disparate Locations

Article

Fallon, Anthony Bruce and O'Connell, Christine. 2024. "Online Utilization of the Nominal Group Technique to Gather Consensus Opinion Across Geographically Disparate Locations." Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions. 44 (4), pp. 293-298. https://doi.org/10.1097/CEH.0000000000000563
Article Title

Online Utilization of the Nominal Group Technique to Gather Consensus Opinion Across Geographically Disparate Locations

ERA Journal ID20528
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsFallon, Anthony Bruce and O'Connell, Christine
Journal TitleJournal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions
Journal Citation44 (4), pp. 293-298
Number of Pages6
Year2024
PublisherLippincott Williams & Wilkins
Place of PublicationUnited States
ISSN0894-1912
1554-558X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1097/CEH.0000000000000563
Web Address (URL)https://journals.lww.com/jcehp/fulltext/2024/04440/online_utilization_of_the_nominal_group_technique.10.aspx
Abstract

Introduction:
The nominal group technique (NGT) is a structured focus group that gathers opinion and generates consensus from groups on topics of interest. Previous studies using online NGTs (ONGTs) in health have been conducted in regions of high population density and internet connectivity. This activity aimed to determine the feasibility and utility of ONGTs in gathering opinion and reaching consensus on curriculum topics for a continuing research education program for health professionals dispersed across various locations in Southern Queensland.

Methods:
Fifteen clinical education academics from a range of health professions participated in 1-hour ONGT sessions from 2 University Department of Rural Health sites or their home offices. The traditional NGT was adapted for online use, using two free online platforms (Zoom for videoconferencing and Wooclap for voting and response collation).

Results:
The chosen platforms were effective in presenting ONGTs, allowing active and effective contributions to research topic ideas from all participants, including those with low internet connectivity. Silent generation enabled sharing, open discussion, and clarification of generated ideas. Wooclap was effective in reviewing and voting on generated responses and providing real-time feedback on voting outcomes. Outcomes were consistent with group consensus and useful in prioritizing research training topics.

Discussion:
The modified ONGT is effective in gathering opinion and gaining consensus from a geographically dispersed health workforce with varied levels of internet connectivity and experience with online platforms. It represents a cost-effective and time-effective alternative to face-to-face NGTs that is less likely to be affected by workforce disruptions.

Keywordsfocus groups; internet; health education; workforce; videoconferencing; rural health; Queensland; consensus
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020420301. Aged health care
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Byline AffiliationsCentre for Health Research
University of Queensland
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