How Delphi studies in the health sciences find consensus: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences Research
• Consensus Methodology
• Healthcare Policy and Practice

Background:

• Delphi studies are crucial in health sciences for achieving consensus, influencing healthcare practices and structures.
• Methodological and systematic documentation of how Delphi studies are conducted is often lacking.
• This scoping review addresses this research gap by analyzing methodological presentations in the literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of consensus Delphi studies in health sciences.
• To identify shortcomings in the methodological reporting of Delphi studies.
• To derive recommendations for quality-assured implementation of Delphi studies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of consensus Delphi studies in health sciences (Jan 2018 - Apr 2021).
• Databases searched: Scopus, MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Epistemonikos.
• Analysis of practical research aspects: expert panel, questionnaire design, and process/feedback design.

Main Results:

• 287 consensus Delphi studies were included; 43% used a modified Delphi approach.
• Expert panels often included diverse professionals; patients were included in ~25% of studies.
• Methodological reporting issues include: 62% did not report analysis methods for open-ended questions; 81% defined consensus as percentage agreement.

Conclusions:

• Significant variations in Delphi study execution complicate assessments and comparisons.
• Methodological inconsistencies can lead to unintended effects and biases in study results.
• Recommendations are provided to enhance comparability and quality assurance in Delphi studies.