A practical guide to the systematic application of nominal group technique.

Mullen, Rosemary; Kydd, Angela; Fleming, Anne; McMillan, Laura

Abstract

Background: Nominal group technique (NGT) is a highly structured, commonly used way of exploring areas of interest and developing consensus. However, it is sometimes conflated with focus group methods. Aim: To provide a rationale for selecting NGT as a research method and to examine its systematic application in a doctoral Q-methodology study exploring nursing students’ perspectives of preserving dignity in care. Discussion: An outline of NGT is provided, and it is distinguished from focus group methods. As well as providing a step-by-step guide to using NGT, each step is illustrated with its practical application in the study, and the lessons learned concerning the limitations and strengths of NGT in the context of one study are shared. Conclusion: When applied systematically, NGT enables nurse researchers to collaborate in a meaningful and engaging way with participants and generate tangible outcomes relatively quickly. Implications for practice: This paper offers practical insight into the use of NGT to explore perceptions and develop consensus.

Citation

MULLEN, R., KYDD, A., FLEMING, A. and MCMILLAN, L. 2021. A practical guide to the systematic application of nominal group technique. Nurse researcher [online], 29(1), pages 14-20. Available from: https://doi.org/10.7748/nr.2021.e1777

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 29, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Feb 25, 2021
• Publication Date: Mar 11, 2021
• Deposit Date: Mar 4, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 4, 2021
• Journal: Nurse researcher
• Print ISSN: 1351-5578
• Electronic ISSN: 2047-8992
• Publisher: RCN Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 14-20
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.7748/nr.2021.e1777
• Keywords: Focus groups; Instrument design; Q methodology; Qualitative research; Research; Research methods; Nominal group technique (NGT); Consensus; Data collection
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1223859
• Related Public URLs: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1490231; https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1645822