Developing a diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis in South Korea: A modified Delphi Consensus Study

Background A diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis in South Korea is necessary because the etiologies of bronchiectasis and related diseases vary significantly among different regions and ethnicities. Methods A modified Delphi method was used to develop expert consensus statements on a diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis in South Korea. Initial statements proposed by a core panel, based on international bronchiectasis guidelines, were discussed over one online meeting and two email surveys by a panel of experts (≥70% agreement). Results Twenty-one experts participated in the study, and 30 statements on a diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis were classified as recommended, conditional, or not recommended. The expert panel agreed that 1) a standardized diagnostic bundle is useful in clinical practice, 2) diagnostic tests for specific diseases, including immunodeficiency and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, are necessary when clinically suspected, 3) initial diagnostic tests, including sputum microbiology and spirometry, are essential in all bronchiectasis patients, and 4) patients should be referred to specialized centers when rare causes such as primary ciliary dyskinesia are suspected. Conclusion In this Delphi survey, expert consensus statements were generated on which specific diagnostic, laboratory, microbiologic, and pulmonary function tests to obtain when managing patients with bronchiectasis in South Korea.