Sampling and recruitment
The target Delphi sample size was based on the literature, which
suggests that consensus from participants with homogenous backgrounds
can be achieved with samples of 10-15 participants [22]. Where
heterogeneity of participants, or complexity of subject is increased,
greater numbers are needed but these rarely exceed 50
participants[22]. The sample was anticipated to be relatively
homogenous for pharmacy services in each health sector represented in
the study, so the target was therefore 10-15 participants from each
hospital sector e.g. acute trust, community hospital, mental health
unit. Expert Panel participants were hospital pharmacy managers with
strategic responsibilities for delivering pharmaceutical care in their
setting, with permission from the Chief Pharmacist to share data within
a specified timeframe.
Invitations to participate were issued through regional and national
professional forums, with a small number of personal invitations issued
to individuals identified from professional networks. Where the
inclusion criteria described above were met, no exclusion criteria were
applied.