The Delphi technique used in laser incident surveillance

Surveillance is an important component of trend analysis in laser incident reporting. Proper surveillance of workplaces in which laser systems are used, personnel at risk of exposure and evaluation of laser injuries can lead to better injury prevention and rapid medical treatment of laser injuries that occur. Ultimately, the prevention of laser injuries helps ensure a healthier workforce. Current databases that collect laser incident data were not designed for surveillance of laser incident trends. A laser incident reporting form was created based on a scientific approach for the collection of information about United States Air Force (USAF) laser incident trends, risk factors and injury diagnoses using the Delphi technique. This reporting form was designed also to collect medical evaluation data that could help accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of laser injuries in field conditions.;Four USAF panels were formed from health and safety groups to participate in the Delphi technique: Bioenvironmental Engineers, Health Physicists, Flight Physicians, and Ophthalmologists. Panel members were selected based on their professional experience with laser systems, medical evaluations and/or incident investigations. The Delphi technique used in this study began with 40 participants completing the first round. A total of 27 people completed all three surveys for 67.5% participation. A list of items that panel members determined to be of value for laser incident trend analysis was submitted during the first two rounds of Delphi surveys. The third round consisted of ranking survey items from the first two rounds for data fields to be included in the laser incident reporting form. Ranked survey responses from panel members resulted in 100 data collection items, grouped by four distinct sections. The four sections of the form included 12 demographic items, 22 laser system items, 24 event information items, and 42 medical information items. Four cognitive interviews were conducted with an individual that met the qualifications of one of the four panels to assess the functionality of the draft laser incident reporting form. Individuals selected for cognitive interviews did not serve as panel members.;The laser incident reporting form developed in this study should be adapted to a database format that allows for data extraction and quantitative analysis of laser injury trends. Further study is needed to determine how the final laser incident reporting form could be incorporated into a central database, or collected concurrently with another agency that studies laser incident data. Analyzing incident trends could be used to better protect at-risk individuals, to minimize risk factors associated with specific laser systems and their application, and to provide the most efficient and effective medical care for injured personnel. The results from analyzing laser incident trends can be used to make informed decisions of where to allocate resources toward laser injury evaluation, treatment and prevention. A complete laser incident reporting process is essential to maintaining a healthy and productive USAF workforce.