International surgical guidance for COVID-19: Validation using an international Delphi process - Cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

International professional bodies have been quick to disseminate initial guidance documents during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the absence of firm evidence, these have been developed by expert committees, limited in participant number. This study aimed to validate international COVID-19 surgical guidance using a rapid Delphi consensus exercise.

Methods

Delphi statements were directly mapped to guidance from surgical professional bodies in the US and Europe (SAGES/EAES), the UK (Joint RCS), and Australasia (RACS), to validate content against international consensus. Agreement from ≥70% participants was determined as consensus agreement.

Results

The Delphi exercise was completed by 339 individuals from 41 countries and 52 statements were mapped to the guidance,

SUBMITTER: Aj B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7282765 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature