Derivation of a procedural performance checklist for ultrasound-guided femoral arterial line placement using the modified Delphi method

Background: Many specialties utilize procedural performance checklists as an aid to teach residents and other learners. Procedural checklists ensure that the critical steps of the desired procedure are performed in a specified manner every time. Valid measures of competency are needed to evaluate learners and ensure a standard quality of care. The objective of this study was to employ the modified Delphi method to derive a procedural checklist for use during placement of ultrasound-guided femoral arterial access. Methods: A 27-item procedural checklist was provided to 14 experts from three acute care specialties. Using the modified Delphi method, the checklist was serially modified based on expert feedback. Results: Three rounds of the study were performed resulting in a final 23-item checklist. Each item on the checklist received at least 70% expert agreement on its inclusion in the final checklist. Conclusion: A procedural performance checklist was created for ultrasound-guided femoral arterial access using the modified Delphi method. This is an objective tool to assist procedural training and competency assessment in a variety of clinical and educational settings.