To construct a nursing programme to manage intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in neurocritical care patients.
The consensus of 16 experts was collected using a two-round Delphi method.
First, we developed the early stages of the nursing programme for managing IAP in neurocritical care patients through preliminary study and relevant literature internationally. A questionnaire was then distributed to a panel of 16 experts, each with over 10 years of experience in respiratory critical care, neurocritical care or comprehensive intensive care unit treatment. Between April and May 2024, these experts reviewed the preliminary programme and provided feedback and recommendations for modifications.
Two rounds of expert consultation were conducted. After the first round of expert feedback, 22 items were revised. In the second round, eight additional items were revised. The questionnaire recovery rates in both rounds of correspondence were 88.9% and 100%, and the authority coefficients were 0.869 and 0.888, respectively. The Kendall W values ranged from 0.127 to 0.336 (p < 0.001). Consensus was reached on six Level 1 entries, 17 Level 2 entries, and 50 Level 3 entries.
A panel of 16 experts approved the proposed nursing approach for managing IAP in neurocritical care.
This nursing protocol offers a systematic approach for managing IAP throughout all stages of care in neurocritical settings. Moreover, this programme can guide neurocritical care nurses in maintaining optimal IAP at critical times. The protocol could potentially be used in training nurses on IAP regulation and enhancing their management skills in this specialised area of care, along with preventing IAP-related health issues.
The study is reported in accordance with the Guidance on Conducting and Reporting DElphi Studies (CREDES) recommendations.
No patient or public contribution.