ABSTRACT
Objective:
to describe the process of collecting and analyzing data based on the use of the Delphi method, and the process of articulating qualitative and quantitative procedures for constructing a proposal for curricular innovation in the area of infection control in undergraduate courses in nursing.
Method:
the Delphi method was used with 39 participants, of whom 31 were nurses and eight were physicians, all experts in the area of infection control. Data collection took place over a period of seven months, being undertaken in four rounds. Content analysis was used for analyzing the qualitative data, and descriptive analysis for the quantitative data.
Results: a total of four interactive and sequential rounds was undertaken. The first was an instrument with open questions. The instrument for the second round was elaborated based on the responses to these (39 respondents), and was made up of items to be evaluated by the participants. After the second round (35 respondents), the items for which consensus was not obtained were re-presented to the participants in the instrument of the third round (30 respondents), which contained the problematization of the item so that each participant could reevaluate it and provide their rationale. In the fourth round, all the data gathered was returned to all the participants. The undertaking of rounds, promoting controlled feedback so that all participants can review their opinions is a striking characteristic of this method.
Conclusion:
the Delphi method evidenced its strength as a possibility for articulating qualitative and quantitative approaches, bringing these characteristics together to respond to a complex research issue in the area of nursing and health.
DESCRIPTORS:
Nursing; Curriculum; Education; Infection control; Mixed methods; Qualitative research; Quantitative research
