Use of a modified Delphi technique to guide coordination of cancer education in Texas medical schools

Delphi technique is a method of structuring group communication and is useful in achieving consensus on goals, plans, or positions. The Delphi technique was used to determine a course of action to enhance cancer education at each of eight medical schools in Texas. Participants in this study were deans of medicine and a faculty member considered to be the lead cancer expert in the curriculum. A three-generation Delphi study was conducted with the deans using a telephone interview, a personal interview, and a conference of participants, including cancer experts. The Delphi technique was found to be an effective approach for increasing awareness of the statewide cancer plan, for involving all medical schools in achieving the goals of the plan, and for identifying means for enhancing cancer education at each medical school. A consensus was reached to develop a statewide standardized assessment of graduating medical students' knowledge about principles of cancer prevention and screening. The results could serve as a means of determining cancer education needs at each medical school.