Selecting a Journal to Share Results of a Delphi Method Study
One of the objectives in the Medical Affairs plan is to generate evidence and subsequently disseminate it to the target audience, supporting positive changes in healthcare.1 The Delphi method is a promising technique for collecting expert opinions on a given research question.2 Based on the opinion of experts, which includes the latest information, recent observations, and existing data, evidence can be generated using the Delphi method. The Delphi method is considered Level 4 in evidence-based medicine.3
The use of the Delphi method
Level 4 evidence is crucial when there is insufficient data regarding the study area. Practical and clinical expertise is a cornerstone in decision-making in healthcare. It is essential for interpreting the results of different types of studies and serves as a strong platform for formulating evidence-based recommendations.4 Utilising the Delphi method allows for achieving results within 7–9 months, making it a fast, well-structured, and cost-effective method to obtain the required information. The Delphi method has become a popular tool for meeting various goals in different areas, such as social sciences, technology, and healthcare.
Communicating results of a Delphi method study
Results of the Delphi method can be published in peer-reviewed journals, which not only enhances their credibility but also serves as the first step in effectively disseminating the results to reach the target audience. Therefore, the manuscript is central to a campaign that would rely on the production of materials such as conference documents and patient information materials.
According to the latest publications reporting the utilisation of the Delphi method, an increasing number of manuscripts based on the Delphi method across all specialties is observed, making the technique recognisable by peer-reviewed journals.5 Medicine is a leading area for Delphi method studies, accounting for 66% of published articles (Figure 1).5
Figure 1. Number of published Delphi method articles by discipline5
Out of the 10 journals with the highest number of published manuscripts based on the Delphi method, 6 are medical journals (Table 1). Among Science and Technology journals, PLoS One has published 226 articles with results of Delphi methods.5
Table 1. Medical journals published highest number of manuscripts based on Delphi methods5
Choosing a journal to publish results of a Delphi method study
The common question is where to publish the results of the Delphi method. Several aspects should be considered before publication to showcase the relevance of the study, efficiently disseminate the results, reach the target audience, and initiate positive changes in healthcare.
1. Therapeutic area
This is a very important initial step as it ensures the publication is aligned with the scope of the journal and heard by the right audience. The manuscript can be published in accordance with the therapeutic area of the research project or in journals covering general medicine. If there are concerns with this, some academic publishing companies, such as Elsevier have automatic tools on their websites to help choose the right journal based on several parameters, such as title, abstract, keywords, aims, etc.
2. Target audience
Based on the research objectives, the target audience should be considered. The publication may be intended for the academic community, practicing healthcare professionals, commissioning managers, patients, and caregivers. This will help identify the focus journal.
3. Geographic location
The geographic area should be considered. Will the results be used internationally or for a specific country or region?
4. Type of manuscript
Another step in determining the journal of focus is to learn publication guidelines and policies. Authors should be aware that manuscripts based on the Delphi method can be considered expert opinions. However, not all journals accept these types of publications. Journal editors can be contacted for more information.
5. Impact factor
The impact factor is a measure of the frequency of citation of articles published in a journal over a specified time. There is a tendency to publish research results in journals with a high impact factor.6 A high impact factor demonstrates that the journal publishes manuscripts of high value and quality, ensuring that the research results will be heard by the community.
6. Indexing
Indexed journals in one or more well-known databases are generally considered to be of higher scientific quality, increasing the credibility and visibility of a publication.7 Some examples of reputed databases where the journal should be published include PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science.8
7. Peer-reviewed journal
Although not all publications undergo a peer-review process, publication in peer-reviewed journals guarantees that the research is of high quality, confirming the validity, significance, and originality of the study.9
In terms of the Delphi method, publication in a peer-reviewed journal guarantee that the manuscript meets the latest standards for reporting expert opinions – ACCORD (ACcurate COnsensus Reporting Document).10 This is particularly important given the increasing volume of consensus-based publications in healthcare.5
To learn more about how to increase your chances of being published in peer-reviewed journals, read in our blog post ‘How to maximise publication success with peer-reviewers’.
8. Open-access journal
Open-access publications eliminate permission and price barriers, making the research accessible for the target audience and facilitating further dissemination of the results, including citations. Therefore, the results of the Delphi method can be directly applied to current practices, methodologies, and policies.11
Discover how Triducive can help
Triducive is an expert medical communications agency that generates consensus-led evidence, which is published to support changes in healthcare. Through Delphi method studies, Triducive has experience in publishing over 50 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. Here is an example:
Our recent Delphi method study published in BMJ Open is expected ‘to change the production guidelines in the UK for the better’. Results contribute significantly to the correct determination, prioritisation, design, and implementation of topics in kidney care for guideline development in the UK (Burton JO et al. BMJ Open 2024;14(6):e085723).
Triducive’s team of healthcare experts and scientific writers is ready to provide guidance and support at any stage of the evidence generation and publication process.
Contact us for more information about the Delphi method and its use in healthcare.
References
- Triducive. Time to assess and realign the focus for Medical Affairs?
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- Raveenthiran V & Kumar Sarin Y. J Neonatal Surg 2015;4(3):26.
- Ponce OJ et al. Evid Based Med 2017;22(5):164–169.
- Khodyakov D et al. PLoS One 2023;18(8):e0289009.
- Shrestha BM. J Nepal Health Res Counc 2019;16(41):475–478.
- AJE. What Is a Journal Index, and Why is Indexation Important?
- Murlimanju BV et al. Indian J Orthop 2016;50(5):577–578.
- Kelly J et al. EJIFCC 2014;25(3):227–243.
- Gattrell WT et al. PLoS Med 2024;21(1):e1004326.
- Brown University Library. Open access.