Using the Delphi method to establish nursing‐sensitive quality indicators for ICU nursing in China

ABSTRACT In this study, the Delphi method was used to develop evidence‐based indicators of intensive care unit (ICU) nursing quality of care in China. Nursing quality indicators reflect elements of patient care that are directly affected by nursing practice. A comprehensive literature search identified 2,857 potentially relevant articles. From the 50 articles that were included in this study, researchers identified 38 commonly used nursing quality indicators. A panel of experts reduced these to 20, which were then subjected to two rounds of Delphi discussion by a different panel, and a final consensus was achieved. The 20 indicators were grouped into three dimensions: structure, process, and outcome (including adverse consequences). The agreement among the experts for the 20 indicators was high. These evidence‐based nursing quality indicators provide for ease in data collection and a basis for clinical application and improvement in the quality of ICU nursing throughout China.