# Delphi method validation of a tool for planning home visits in palliative care: palliative care parametrisation tool

## TL;DR

This study validated a nursing score component of a tool designed to standardize home visit planning for palliative care in Argentina.

## Contribution

The study validated the nursing score using the Delphi method with expert consensus in the Argentine palliative care context.

## Key findings

- The Aiken V test showed high concordance among experts for all categories, with statistical significance.
- Categories like 'Simple Wound Care' and 'Socio-family Issues' achieved perfect Aiken V indices.
- The nursing score is a valid instrument for determining nurse visit frequency in home palliative care.

## Abstract

Palliative care parametrisation tool (PCPT) was developed to standardise the planning of home visits in palliative care, specifically for the adult oncology population in Argentina. This study aimed to validate the nursing score (NS) component of the tool using the Delphi method.

The NS was designed to quantify the caregiving burden based on patient-related factors. Two Delphi rounds were conducted with 19 expert palliative care professionals from Argentina, including 13 physicians and 6 nurses. The content validity of the NS was assessed using the Aiken V test and consensus was reached on the score assigned to each item.

The Aiken V test indicated high levels of concordance between experts for all categories evaluated, with statistical significance (p < 0.001). Categories such as ‘Simple Wound Care,’ ‘Complex Wound Care’ and ‘Socio-family Issues’ achieved a perfect Aiken V index (1.00). The Delphi rounds further refined the NS, achieving over 84% agreement for all categories, with two items reaching 100% consensus.

The NS is a valid instrument for determining the number of visits by nurses in home palliative care. The use of parameterisation tools like PCPT aligns with literature recommendations and offers a robust framework for optimising care provision. Future studies are needed to validate the remaining components of the tool.