How Do You Maximise Impact of a Delphi Study
So you’ve achieved consensus with the Delphi method. What next?
The Delphi method, a structured technique for eliciting expert opinions, has emerged as a valuable tool to guide policy in many fields. Increasingly, it is used by the healthcare sector to inform decision-making, particularly when clinical trial research is challenging or limited.
Outcomes of Delphi often complement, stimulate, or help complete the evidence base and this can be used to define/support new healthcare policy such as treatment guidelines or even to support health technology appraisals where there is a need to reduce uncertainties around existing data.
Triducive specialises in consensus-led evidence that gets published and supports positive change for patients all over the world. While our work often starts with generating expert opinion data, it doesn’t end there. Actionable messages need to be communicated to the right audiences to prompt action.
Getting a Delphi study published
Once a Delphi method process has been completed – consensus reached, and clear, actionable recommendations established – these results can be leveraged to campaign for change. The primary output for any study using the Delphi method is a manuscript which is capable of peer-review publication. Once published, this will form part of the hierarchy of evidence.
The publication of a Delphi study is the first step of a broader campaign to get better decisions actioned. It is important, where appropriate, to agree as early as possible on the target journal to submit the manuscript. This will help reduce the time to publication as the output can be tailored to that journal’s guideline requirements from the outset.
Having a clear publication plan can also help when organising subsequent communication activities. For example, is there a specific symposium to present the information? This will therefore inform the deadlines required throughout the publication development phase of the project and any deliverable phases (for example if a symposium requires a separate abstract before the full manuscript can be published).
To learn more, read our articles on Selecting a Journal to Share Results of a Delphi Study and How To Maximise Publication Success with Peer-Reviewers
Developing evidence-based communications campaigns
A range of activities can be conducted after the Delphi method has been used to generate data, to bring the challenge at hand to life for key audiences and impress on them the need for change.
Based on the objectives of the project, we craft bespoke campaign plans, tapping into the messages and channels that will resonate with decision-makers.
We consider three critical aspects when designing a campaign:
We cover the following:
- Content creation: high-quality, engaging content designed in multiple formats for different channels, including videos, infographics, case studies and podcasts.
- Media engagement: securing opportunities for press coverage and public discussion of the Delphi consensus results and recommendations.
- Policy support: developing business cases, model care pathways and policy white papers to lay out a clear path to change.
- Events: using existing speaker platforms to foster dialogue in the community, and/or organising dedicated events to galvanise the support of key decision-makers.
In order to craft the right strategy, we need to work with our clients to refine and agree:
- The target audiences: to clearly define the target audiences, whether that be healthcare professionals, policy-makers, patients, payers or the general public.
- The key messages: to craft compelling language that tells an important, evidence-based story and resonates with the target audiences.
- The priority channels: to choose the most effective channels for reaching and engaging with those audiences, including industry media, digital channels like email and social media, policy, and events.
Our curated communication programmes – across content, media, policy, social media and events – have helped to build momentum in decision-maker communities and turn research into action to help:
- improve equity of access and uptake of products
- support national and local guidelines
- improve clinical practices
- contribute to the revision of care pathways
Case study
Triducive worked with a client to design and facilitate a Delphi study with the objective to define the clinical patient cohort for a new antibiotic treatment in a conservative and cost-restrictive market. The outputs of this study provided a strong platform for the client to engage with policymakers concerning EU and national antibiotic stewardship.
Creating lasting change with the Delphi method
In today’s complex healthcare landscape, effective communication is essential to drive meaningful change and improve patient outcomes. Leveraging the insights gained from the Delphi method, targeted and impactful communications campaigns can support meaningful change and improve patient outcomes. By combining expert opinion with effective communication strategies, lasting positive impact on healthcare can be achieved.
About us
With over 50 manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals, Triducive has extensive experience in developing and delivering communications strategies to amplify the results of a Delphi consensus.
Our team of healthcare experts, scientific writers and communications campaigners – experienced in several therapeutic areas – offer tailored advice and a unique approach to achieving your unique objectives.
Contact us for more information about the Delphi method and amplification campaigns.