Expert Opinions on an Optimal Infant Feeding Quantitative Data Framework: A Mixed Methods Delphi-Style Study in the UK.

Background: This study aimed to explore how expert stakeholders involved in research, policy and practice would define an ideal dataset for collecting infant feeding data, to better align efforts to monitor and evaluate breastfeeding across the UK four nations.

Methodology: Using the Delphi method, two phases of consultation were completed with a total of 42 stakeholders. First, qualitative (Round 1) and quantitative (Round 2) surveys were distributed to an interdisciplinary panel of experts, to identify individual-level agreement for key terms and timepoints for data collection relevant to infant age.