Using a Delphi technique to determine the needs of African American breast cancer survivors

A qualitative study was designed in collaboration with the Sisters Network, Inc., the only nonprofit national Black breast cancer support group, to identify the needs of Black breast cancer survivors. This article describes the use of the Delphi technique as a methodological tool for listening to culturally different speakers and building consensus among members of a racial minority group regarding their most important needs as breast cancer survivors. The specific objective of the study was to determine if the seldom-used Delphi technique could serve as a tool for deriving consensus on a significant health care concern among members of a racial minority group. Sixty-two survivors from different geographical regions of the United States participated in the study. The Delphi technique proved to be a useful qualitative method for encouraging discussion among a group of women with a vested interest in a specific health issue.