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The Delphi technique

Clinical Research Fellow in Evidence Based Medicine, Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Keele University School of Medicine, UK.

Charles WE Redman, MD FRCOG FRCS(Ed), Consultant Gynaecologist

University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent, ST4 6QG, UK. Email: cweraf{at}btopenworld.com (corresponding author)

The Delphi technique is a way of obtaining a collective view from individuals about issues where there is no or little definite evidence and where opinion is important. The process can engender group ownership and enable cohesion among individuals with diverse views. It is an iterative questionnaire exercise with controlled feedback to a group of panellists who are anonymous. The design avoids the often counterproductive group dynamics that can occur where individuals are swayed or intimidated by others but allows panellists to reappraise their views in the light of the responses of the group as a whole.

Keywords Keywords / consensus / Delphi technique / opinion / survey