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

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

Authors

Rosemary Mullen

Angela Kydd

Anne Fleming

Laura McMillan



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 28, 2024
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

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