A Delphi study to update the American Dental Hygienists' National Dental Hygiene Research Agenda.

Objective: The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) National Dental Hygiene Research Agenda (NDHRA) is a working document that guides research efforts of the dental hygiene profession. The purpose of this study was to update the NDHRA to reflect current research priorities aimed at meeting national health objectives and to systematically advance dental hygiene's unique body of knowledge.

Methods: Forty-nine dental hygiene experts and key opinion leaders representing all domains of the profession, participated in the Delphi study to update and gain consensus on the NDHRA. The study was carried out electronically in 3 phases: a development phase, 2 rounds of mailed questionnaires to gain consensus on topics during the second phase, and a third phase to prioritize topics. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and instrument reliability was analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Cronbach's Alpha for internal consistency.

Results: One hundred twelve topics reflecting the research agenda categories were identified during Phase I. Through Phase II, 36 topics were eliminated and consensus was reached on 42 of the remaining 76 topics. Return rates of 95% and 100% were achieved for the 2 survey rounds. Instrument reliability was established at .76 and internal consistency at .87. During Phase III participants attempted to rank the 42 topics as to their level of priority, however results of this phase were not usable.

Outcomes: Each category comprising the NDHRA was represented by the 42 topics. Thus, consensus on the national agenda was achieved. Ideally, identified priorities on the revised NDHRA will be used to direct future research efforts, identify research funding initiatives, and guide education and practice.