Using nominal group technique to compare patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives on symptoms in multiple myeloma to inform the development of a self management tool for patients with relapsed myeloma

Background: The nominal group technique (NGT) allows stakeholders to directly generate items for needs assessment. The objective was to demonstrate the use of NGT to inform the development of a healthcare app in patients with relapsed myeloma. Healthcare professionals with experience in the care of patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma were invited to participate. Methods: One NGT group was conducted. In the group, health care professionals working in haematology were asked to vote anonymously in order of highest priority, on symptoms previously highlighted by relapsed/refractory myeloma patients in four focus groups. Results: A total of 18 healthcare professionals working in the area of haematology participated in the NGT discussion; consultants (n=6), haematology registrars (n=2), specialist nurses [Advanced Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist] (haematology) (n=3), staff nurse (n=1), and “other” health care professionals (n=6). Participants ranged in experience of working with myeloma patients from 2 years to over 27 years. The symptoms voted in highest priority were: Pain, Fatigue, Peripheral Neuropathy, Infection Risk and Steroid Induced Side Effects. Conclusions: The NGT was an efficient method for obtaining information to inform a healthcare app.