Development and expert consensus validation of a technological resource to support the integration of palliative care from hospital to home: A Delphi study

Abstract

Objective The effective integration of palliative care along the hospital–home trajectory remains a challenge, with digital technologies representing a promising strategy to improve continuity and coordination of care. This study aimed to validate, through expert consensus, the objectives, functionalities, clinical content, organizational requirements, and barriers and facilitators of a technological resource to support the integration of palliative care from hospital to home. Methods A methodological consensus study using a modified Delphi technique was conducted over two rounds. A multidisciplinary panel of experts with experience in palliative care, digital health, and healthcare organization participated. In the first round, experts evaluated an initial set of items derived from the literature and clinical practice. Items were analyzed for consensus and, based on qualitative comments, linguistically refined. In the second round, experts reassessed the items to confirm consensus and evaluate the stability of responses. A 4-point Likert scale was used. Consensus was defined as ≥75% of responses indicating “Agree” or “Strongly agree,” with calculation of the Item Content Validity Index (I-CVI) and the coefficient of variation. Results Thirty-three experts participated in both rounds, corresponding to a 100% retention rate. All items reached consensus in the first round and maintained consensus and high stability in the second round. Agreement levels were high across all domains, with I-CVI values ≥0.78 and coefficients of variation below 0.25, confirming the content validity of the final set of items. No items were excluded throughout the Delphi process. Significance of results This study validated a comprehensive and structured set of essential components for the development of a technological resource to support the integration of palliative care from hospital to home. The high levels of consensus and stability achieved support the clinical and organizational relevance of the resource, providing a solid foundation for its development, implementation, and future evaluation.