Using the Delphi technique in economic evaluation: time to revisit the oracle?

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Health Services Research
• Pharmaceutical Policy

Background:

• The Delphi technique is widely used in health services research but less so in economic evaluations of medicines.
• Limited application necessitates a clearer understanding of its utility in this field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Delphi technique's methodology.
• To advocate for its use in economic evaluations of medicines.
• To provide recommendations for enhancing its application.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on Delphi technique methodology.
• Focus on studies applying the Delphi technique to economic evaluations of medicines.
• Searched MEDLINE database.

Main Results:

• The Delphi technique can estimate healthcare resource needs and adjust for inter-country comparisons.
• It aids in mapping treatment processes and selecting appropriate comparators.
• Ensures economic evaluations focus on cost-effectiveness over cost-efficacy.

Conclusions:

• The Delphi technique is valuable for economic evaluations when real-patient data is absent.
• It incorporates the best available evidence to inform evaluations.
• Transparency regarding limitations and uncertainty is crucial for Delphi-based evaluations.