The Delphi Method in Healthcare
The Delphi Method is a systematic and iterative approach that is used to generate new evidence that supports decisions and action.
The Delphi Method originated in the late 1940’s as a forecasting tool to inform the use and impact of emerging technologies on US national security approaches. Many areas have used the research approach, notably healthcare.
Using the Delphi Method for consensus ensures a robust scientific to consolidating opinion from a diverse set of experts to provide clarity in relation to a key question.
This can be used to:
- Establish the impact (or unmet need) of a condition
- Define healthcare best practices and encourage their adoption
- Define policy or support its implementation
The Delphi method is widely adopted and established as a credible research approach that is recognised in the evidence hierarchy. Many treatments or management guidelines have been developed using a version of the Delphi method.
Watch this video for more information on how the Delphi method can be used in healthcare to get better decisions actioned.