The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Delphi Method
In this article Triducive explain the Delphi method advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if this approach is well suited for your research question or problem.
What is the Delphi consensus method?
The Delphi method, also known as the Delphi process or Delphi technique, is a method of communication used to ascertain a group consensus from panels of experts. Using rounds of questionnaires, shared anonymously with participants and, controlled feedback following each round, the Delphi method ensures that decision-making is based on the convergence of expert opinion.
The original process was invented by the RAND corporation in the 1950s to survey expert opinion, gather information and forecast impact of new technologies on future defence policy. In more modern times the Delphi consensus method process is a popular method of gaining controlled feedback, group opinion, and to define best practice in healthcare, education, and environmental sciences.
Advantages of the Delphi consensus method
Structured system of communication for clear results
The systematic nature of the Delphi method and the controlled feedback it generates means a conclusion will be arrived at, and the group achieve consensus in a way that fits the research question with a high level of accuracy.
Anonymity for unbiased responses
Delphi participants offer anonymous responses during the group process. Being able to answer without fear of repercussion or judgement from group opinion encourages honest responses.
Flexibility in geographical location
The Delphi method can be used globally to survey expert opinion around the world. This allows access to a diverse group of experts with expertise in a wider range of fields, markets and locations, removing geographical limitations imposed by some other research techniques.
Removes the impact of dominant individuals
As the Delphi method uses anonymous responses, and lengthy discussions are avoided, each voice is weighted equally in a Delphi study. In-person discussions used in other methods can risk the group consensus being biased by the effect dominant individuals can have on group dynamics during discussions. The utilisation of controlled feedback and anonymity eliminates these obstacles.
Disadvantages of the Delphi consensus method
Limited open discussion
As discussed earlier, the Delphi technique uses controlled feedback, meaning ideas are not openly discussed by participants (questionnaire responders) who may not be able to elaborate in the same way as other research techniques. This is mitigated to a degree by the incorporation of a small expert steering group within the study design. This restriction however may mean that the Delphi method may not be as helpful where opinions are highly polarised and deeper investigation may be required.
Requires commitment if multiple rounds are required
The Delphi method can sometimes require participants to be engaged and respond to more than one round of questionnaires, which may include many similar questions to those already answered. This can cause a practical problem if participants become disengaged or stop responding, affecting the magnitude (and potentially the quality) of the results. Well-designed Delphi studies will consider and accommodate this challenge.
Interpretation of study results are highly dependent on respondent expertise
The Delphi method is often used where there is no absolute answer to a question existing and opinion is the most valuable data asset available. This places strong importance on the qualification of the respondent group to answer the survey questions in hand. Unless there is confidence in the level of experience and expertise of the responder group then it will be challenging to reach clear conclusions or recommendations. Again, this is overcome by good study design and well managed processes.
The Delphi consensus method in healthcare
The Delphi method is a powerful tool that can be harnessed in healthcare, standing as one of the most rapid ways to build new evidence and support advocacy. It is often used to help define unmet need, define best practice and develop clinical guidelines, or inform healthcare policy. By leveraging expert consensus, the Delphi method helps ensure that decisions are based on well-rounded insights, even in the absence of robust empirical data, making it an invaluable resource in today’s fast-evolving healthcare landscape.
Are you ready to generate and publish consensus-led evidence that leads to better outcomes for patients?
Triducive are experts in consensus generation, with over a decade of experience and more than 50 peer-reviewed publications. We specialize in transforming evidence into actionable insights for healthcare systems globally. Explore our range of consensus services and get in touch to discover the right solution for your current research needs.