Validation of Content for an App for Caregivers of Stroke Patients through the Delphi Method

Abstract

The aim of this study was to reach a consensus among experts (using the Delphi technique) to validate the informative content that should be included in an App to be used by informal caregivers of stroke patients in order to improve their quality of life, facilitating access to the health care system and involving them in their own health. This technique was developed between June and December 2021. The group of experts was selected on the basis of previously established criteria, and the coefficient of variation (v) was used as a measure of consensus. In addition, the concordance index was calculated to determine the stability of the different rounds. In the first round, the preliminary content, previously elaborated by the research group, was evaluated as very appropriate for the objectives set (N-P < 1.07). In addition, averages of 4.5 out of five and a coefficient of variation of less than 0.5 were obtained, confirming the consensus. In the second round, suggestions were made by the experts on how to improve the content of the information, obtaining 100% agreement with the results obtained in the first round. The results obtained allow a positive evaluation of the use of the Delphi method for the elaboration of the information to be housed in an App.