%0 Journal Article
%T An international consensus definition for contextual factors: findings from a nominal group technique.
%A Cook CE
%A Bailliard A
%A Bent JA
%A Bialosky JE
%A Carlino E
%A Colloca L
%A Esteves JE
%A Newell D
%A Palese A
%A Reed WR
%A Vilardaga JP
%A Rossettini G
%J Front Psychol
%V 14
%N 0
%D 2023
%M 37465492
%F 4.232
%R 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1178560
%X <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Emerging literature suggests contextual factors are important components of therapeutic encounters and may substantially influence clinical outcomes of a treatment intervention. At present, a single consensus definition of contextual factors, which is universal across all health-related conditions is lacking. The objective of this study was to create a consensus definition of contextual factors to better refine this concept for clinicians and researchers.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The study used a multi-stage virtual Nominal Group Technique (vNGT) to create and rank contextual factor definitions. Nominal group techniques are a form of consensus-based research, and are beneficial for identifying problems, exploring solutions and establishing priorities.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>International.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The initial stages of the vNGT resulted in the creation of 14 independent contextual factor definitions. After a prolonged discussion period, the initial definitions were heavily modified, and 12 final definitions were rank ordered by the vNGT participants from first to last.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The 10 international vNGT participants had a variety of clinical backgrounds and research specializations and were all specialists in contextual factors research.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>A sixth round was used to identify a final consensus, which reflected the complexity of contextual factors and included three primary domains: (1) an overall definition; (2) qualifiers that serve as examples of the key areas of the definition; and (3) how contextual factors may influence clinical outcomes.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Our consensus definition of contextual factors seeks to improve the understanding and communication between clinicians and researchers. These are especially important in recognizing their potential role in moderating and/or mediating clinical outcomes.