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The Delphi technique in health sciences education research
Marietjie R de Villiers1, Pierre J T de Villiers, Athol P Kent
1School of Public and Primary Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. mrdv@sun.ac.za
Medical Teacher
|December 8, 2005
Summary
The Delphi technique gathers expert opinions anonymously through questionnaires to improve medical training recommendations. This method enhances collective judgment for research and education, particularly in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Health Professions Education
- Medical Education Research
- South African Healthcare
Background:
- The Delphi technique is a structured communication method for group opinion elicitation.
- It facilitates expert consensus building without physical assembly, using anonymous, iterative questionnaires.
- Its application is growing in both quantitative and qualitative research, including health sciences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To obtain consensus on education and training content for medical practitioners in South African district hospitals.
- To identify effective methods for maintaining the competence of these doctors.
- To share insights on using the Delphi technique in health science education research.
Main Methods:
- The study employed the conventional Delphi technique, involving multiple rounds of anonymous questionnaires.
- Key considerations for validity included questionnaire development, consensus definition, expert selection, and data analysis.
- The technique was applied to address specific needs in medical practitioner education in a resource-limited setting.
Main Results:
- Consensus was sought on essential components of continuing professional development for doctors in district hospitals.
- The study aimed to establish agreement on pedagogical approaches for effective medical training.
- Findings provide a foundation for evidence-based recommendations for medical education and training.
Conclusions:
- The Delphi technique proved valuable for generating consensus on critical issues in medical education.
- The experience offers practical guidance for researchers utilizing the Delphi method in health science education.
- The findings can inform policy and practice for enhancing medical practitioner competence in South Africa.