A Delphi-based consensus study into planning for biological incidents.

Objective: Biological incidents present a significant threat to health services in the UK. The objective of this study was to achieve consensus in all phases of biological incident planning and response. Methods: A three-round Delphi study was conducted using a panel of 23 experts from specialities involved in the management of biological incidents. The consensus and non-consensus outcomes from the Delphi study were subsequently presented for discussion in four syndicate groups at a one-day consensus conference funded by the Health Protection Agency. Results: The results of each syndicate group discussion were presented at a subsequent plenary session at the end of the conference. Further iteration of both the consensus and the non-consensus outcomes of the Delphi study resulted in the endorsement, modification, integration or rejection of individual statements. 125 consensus statements were produced. Conclusions: The 125 synopsis consensus statements that all phases of biological incident planning and response. These can be used to inform policy decisions and translated into practical guidance for emergency planners and first responders at local, regional and national levels.