Defining ‘liaison haematology’ in the UK: a modified Delphi study

Objective: The aim of this study was to generate a consensus definition for the work informally referred to as ‘liaison haematology’, by UK health professionals within haematology, including a list of tasks and routes by which requests are received. The objective was to help inform current workloads and future job plans. Design: A modified Delphi study using focus groups sought to reach consensus on a definition and scope of work for ‘liaison haematology’. Setting and participants: An expert panel of 20 healthcare professionals from a range of backgrounds within UK practice. Participants attended one of two focus groups before responding to two rounds of anonymous questionnaires. Results: Participants reached consensus (>75%) on a range of users, routes and activities that should be considered liaison haematology. Advice and guidance to other healthcare professionals was broadly considered to be liaison haematology. Advice directly delivered to patients did not reach consensus for inclusion. A definition for ‘liaison haematology’ was agreed by 87% of respondents after two iterative questionnaire rounds. Conclusion: This study provides a first definition for ‘liaison haematology’ as well as new insights into the activities that make up this work. There is a paucity of previous literature on this topic, and it is hoped that establishing terms of reference in this way informs workforce planning associated with hidden labour and prompts further study. Further work is needed to explore liaison haematology in supporting healthcare teams as well as the increasing demands it places on haematology services. This study begins this process which will build a better understanding of how haematology and healthcare systems operate.