26 Reporting rapid ethnographies informing health and care improvement: findings from a Delphi survey and consensus meeting

• Published in: BMJ open 2024-03, Vol.14 (Suppl 1), p.A10-A10
• Main Authors: Kumpunen, Stephanie, Walton, Holly, Ramsay, Angus, Vindrola-Padros, Cecilia, Black, Georgia, Fulop, Naomi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ethnography; Medical research; Polls & surveys; Quality improvement; Quality of care
• ISSN: 2044-6055; 2044-6055
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-UCL-QHRN2024.26

BackgroundRapid ethnographies (including focused, quick, rapid, and short-term, etc. ethnography) explore shared practices and meanings using a cultural lens and generate actionable findings using mostly qualitative methods in short timeframes. Despite being widely used in health and care research, rapid ethnographies are viewed by some as quick and dirty, a perspective likely sustained by their poor reporting. This study aimed to encourage consensus on the minimum criteria of reporting of rapid ethnographies.Methods100 experts were invited to take part in an online modified Delphi survey comprising three rounds. They were provided a briefing pack describing the characteristics of rapid ethnographies and areas of poor reporting identified in a prior scoping review. In Round 1, participants were asked to add to a 30-item checklist developed from the scoping review, which led to 15 new items. In Round 2 participants rated items, and in Round 3, they rated items in view of the group consensus. A meeting was then held among seven survey respondents and developers to finalise the checklist.ResultsThe modified Delphi survey achieved consensus (defined as >70% agreement to include, and