Use the Delphi Method to Build Consensus and Drive Change
We believe better healthcare decisions are achieved when the voice and experience of experts is acted upon.
The amplified consensus approach employed by Triducive amplifies expert opinion settings to help clients achieve their goals and strengthen brand value proposition.
Combining healthcare sector experience with expertise and delivering structured expert consensus to drive decisions and facilitate change.
Amplified Delphi Consensus
The Delphi method is a systematic and iterative approach to communication that seeks to aggregate opinions from a diverse set of experts to generate clarity and support (evidence) based on this collective wisdom. It can be used to help forecast future impact, consolidate a position, or to define policy and many sectors are using it today including healthcare. Many treatment or management guidelines have been developed using a version of the Delphi method.
One version of the Delphi method which has been refined and routinely employed by us is amplified Delphi consensus. The Delphi method relies on collecting opinions from a panel of experts and amplified consensus seeks to maximise the size of this panel of responders within the constraints of the expertise required on the topic in hand. Typically this means 100+ responders in localised programs and in some regional / pan-region projects this can be as large as 500+.
A feature of communication or evidence generated using Triducive’s amplified consensus method is peer-advocacy. Because outputs from Delphi programs are generated by stakeholders who represent an important constituent of the health system itself, they help create social proof for the direction recommended as a result of the work. An important coalition of experts now have a clearer and more confident voice to call for change across peer groups and across other disciplines they work with. The question for other stakeholders moves from ‘why not do this?’ to ‘’why wouldn’t you?’.
The Amplified Delphi consensus can be completed virtually — which helps to overcome the barriers of time, cost, and geography. Typically possible to deliver within 5-6 months, there are 5 key steps to delivering a successful Delphi study. They outline the broad process and how Triducive can help effective implementation in practice.
How the Amplified Delphi Process Works
An important coalition of experts now have a clearer and more confident voice to call for change across peer groups and across other disciplines they work with. The question for other stakeholders moves from ‘why not do this? to ‘why wouldn’t you?’
Find Out More About Delphi
The Delphi Method is well-established methodology which uses the consensus of panels of experts to answer questions, solve issues, and forecast organisational projections. Visit Our Services to find out more.
The Delphi Method consists of 5 steps;
Step One: Clearly determine the aim of the project and its validity
Step Two: Identify thought leaders and experts in the relevant field and select
Step Three: Gather data from panel of experts based on their views and experiences and gain consensus
Step Four: Analyse responses and provide recommendations based
Step Five: Compile a draft manuscript authored by selected experts to be published and cited in communications and marketing activities
Learn more about how the Delphi Process works, or speak to a member of the Triducive team today.
The Delphi Method is primarily used in scientific, technological and financial fields having been originally created to help forecast the impact of technology during the Cold War. It is often used in the medical and healthcare sectors, especially where limited data and research are available to help develop policy and support decision-making where evidence is incomplete.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare community has shown an increased interest in the Delphi approach. This can be attributed to its ability to provide highly credible recommendations in a relatively short period of time, particularly in an area with limited understanding and evidence.
There are a number of advantages of using the Delphi Method and amplified consensus.
- Wide and flexible range of industry experts and thought leaders can be utilised
- Enables anonymity for more reliable responses
- Reduces the effects of noise and persuasion found in face-to-face practices
- Offers controlled feedback
- Can be completed virtually, reducing geographical, budget or time barriers
- A cost-effective method of establishing evidence or of forecasting, where data is currently limited
The Delphi Method originated in the US in the 1950s. The brainchild of a thinktank named the RAND corporation, this new method was first implemented by the US Military to help forecast the impact of technology during the cold war.
Lobbying for policy change: The Delphi Method is commonly used to lobby for changes in policy.
Strengthening proposition: Amplified consensus is used to strengthen brand and product propositions.
Read the Triducive case study which ensured improved treatment for rheumatoid arthritis patients
Closing evidence gaps: The Delphi Method and amplified consensus are employed to close gaps in evidence.
The focus of evidence-based medicine is on randomised controlled trials, which are ranked highest in the hierarchy of evidence (level 1) while expert consensus ranks at level 4.
However, randomised controlled trials have weaknesses as well as strengths, and no research method is flawless. Moreover, stringent application of scientific research techniques, such as modified Delphi consensus, allows obtaining expert opinion in a high quality and scientific manner. Outcomes of Delphi often complement, stimulate, or help complete the evidence base.
Discover How Triducive Can Help
Find out how Triducive’s amplified Delphi process can help your organisation generate data and advocacy to see better decisions actioned by getting in touch with a member of the Triducive team or schedule a meeting directly with the team today.
