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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

The setting of standards for agricultural nitrogen emissions: a case study of the Delphi technique.

The Delphi technique is a means of aggregating the judgement of a panel of experts in order to improve the quality of decision-making. This paper provides a case study of the technique by undertaking a three-round Delphi study to determine a package of best available techniques to reduce nitrogen emissions from a poultry unit under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive (IPPC). Forms of nitrogen addressed included ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O) nitrogen oxides (NOx), dusts and nitrate (NO3-), with the study providing a means to prioritise the pollution concerns on different spatial scales. The priority pollutant issues were the contribution of NH3 to eutrophication, the global cooling effect of NH4+ aerosol, the role of NH4+ as a vector for atmospheric transport of NOx and SO2, the contribution of N2O to global warming, and NO3- leaching. Reduced nitrogen (NHx) was rated as a priority on all scales, while N2O and NO3- were rated as priorities only on global and local scales, respectively. The study indicated the need for abatement techniques at each stage of poultry rearing and waste management, with particular attention to reduce NH3 emissions, reflecting the priority pollutant concerns. Measures identified by the panel include maintenance of dry litter, low emission removal of litter from housing and storage of litter under cover. Once the litter has left the farm, this should either be used as a biofuel for electricity generation or rapidly incorporated into agricultural soils. The amounts and timing of manure application should be tuned to crop needs. Uncertainties in the Delphi technique limit its suitability as a stand-alone decision making tool. However, the Delphi technique proved useful in identifying priority pollutant issues, areas of agreement, disagreement and where information is lacking. This demonstrates its use when dealing with the complex issues of prioritising pollution issues and abatement approaches.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The Delphi technique.

The Delphi technique is an easy-to-use research instrument which has become an accepted method of achieving consensus among individuals and experts. This paper describes its techniques, parameters for its successful application, variety of uses and some advantages and disadvantages.

Delphi Technique↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The Delphi technique.

The Delphi survey technique has merit in both qualitative and quantitative research, but fewer researchers are using it. This article reviews the Delphi technique and its use in nursing, medical and allied health literature between 1981 and 1998. The strengths and weaknesses of the technique are discussed.

Bias↗
PubMed1999

Go the extra mile--use the Delphi Technique.

AIM: The Delphi Technique is reviewed and its potential contribution to the management of change assessed. BACKGROUND: Change management is an essential skill required, not just by managers, but by all staff working in health care. Modern theories advocate participation and free communication to engender commitment and ensure successful change. Data collection methods associated with surveys--interviews and questionnaires--are regularly used to obtain information for service development. Indications of likely resistance are more difficult to obtain. KEY ISSUES: The Delphi Technique is critiqued and found to incorporate many attributes that can produce information which would be otherwise difficult or impossible to obtain. A recently published study performed by the author illustrates this potentiality. An indication of the impact of the findings on the subsequent implementation of change by service managers is provided. CONCLUSION: The Delphi Technique is a useful management tool that can provide data that are difficult to obtain by other means.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Three decision-making aids: brainstorming, nominal group, and Delphi technique.

The methods of brainstorming, Nominal Group Technique, and the Delphi technique can be important resources for nursing staff development educators who wish to expand their decision-making skills. Staff development educators may find opportunities to use these methods for such tasks as developing courses, setting departmental goals, and forecasting trends for planning purposes. Brainstorming, Nominal Group Technique, and the Delphi technique provide a structured format that helps increase the quantity and quality of participant responses.

Decision Support Techniques↗
PubMed2003

[Personality diagnosis in elderly psychiatric patients using a Delphi technique].

A Delphi-technique was used as part of the development of a screening instrument to diagnose personality disorders in the elderly. Several statements regarding this subject were tested. Fifty-three Delphi-members, with expertise in the field of mental health services for the elderly and knowledge about the concept 'personality disorder', gave their opinion on the statements. In three successive rounds we aimed to get consensus as well as agreement on the contents of the statements. In the first round the Delphi-panel confirmed the importance of diagnosing personality disorders, with regard to individual therapy in older adults and psycho-educational activities. The DSM-IV Axis II criteria and related assessment-instruments do not take into account the emotional and social context of the elderly people. In the second round the Delphi-panel endorsed the importance of several information sources namely biographical information, informant information, behavioural observations and the reactions of the therapist himself. In the third round, 44 items considering diagnostics on personality were pro-pounded to the panel. There was agreement as well as consensus on 25 out of the 44 items. In conclusion, adjusting the DSM-IV Axis II criteria to the elderly will improve the quality of the diagnostics. Developments of a specific screening instrument for older adults probably will also increase the quality of the diagnostics.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Comparison of mailed vs. Internet applications of the Delphi technique in clinical informatics research.

The Delphi technique provides a means of assessing the judgments of groups of experts without the necessity of having these experts meet together. The technique has been used in health care since the mid-1970s, and has just recently become more common in clinical informatics research. As informatics develops as a specialty, it is logical to consider information technology solutions to research as well as clinical practice problems. The overall purpose of this methodology presentation is to compare a mailed vs. Internet application of the Delphi technique for clinical informatics research. Specifically, this presentation will provide: 1) an overview of the Delphi technique, and 2) a methodological comparison of two research applications of the Delphi technique. Results of the studies will be presented elsewhere.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMed2006

Using the Delphi technique in economic evaluation: time to revisit the oracle?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although the Delphi technique has been commonly used as a data source in medical and health services research, its application in economic evaluation of medicines has been more limited. The aim of this study was to describe the methodology of the Delphi technique, to present a case for using the technique in economic evaluation, and to provide recommendations to improve such use. METHODS: The literature was accessed through MEDLINE focusing on studies discussing the methodology of the Delphi technique and economic evaluations of medicines using the Delphi technique. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The Delphi technique can be used to provide estimates of health care resources required and to modify such estimates when making inter-country comparisons. The Delphi technique can also contribute to mapping the treatment process under investigation, to identifying the appropriate comparator to be used, and to ensuring that the economic evaluation estimates cost-effectiveness rather than cost-efficacy. CONCLUSION: Ideally, economic evaluations of medicines should be based on real-patient data. In the absence of such data, evaluations need to incorporate the best evidence available by employing approaches such as the Delphi technique. Evaluations based on this approach should state the limitations, and explore the impact of the associated uncertainty in the results.

Delphi Technique↗
PubMed2003

Defining characteristics of expertise in Japanese clinical nursing using the Delphi technique.

A four-round Delphi technique was conducted on 127 experienced Japanese nurses to develop a consensus of opinion on the defining characteristics underlying expertise, and the prime requirements for the development of expertise in clinical nursing. Sixteen statements identified as the prime defining characteristics underlying expertise indicated that experienced Japanese nurses' picture of expertise is general, comprehensive and focused on task expertise. Four prime requirements for the development of expertise identified indicated that neither experience nor accumulation of theoretical knowledge alone is sufficient to develop expertise; but that motivation and attitude do play an essential role in the development of expertise.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1995

Use of the Delphi technique to develop standards for quality assessment in diagnostic radiology.

The Delphi technique is a method for obtaining answers to questions that are issues of uncertainty even to experts. The aim of this study was to use the Delphi technique to develop two standards for the assessment of the diagnostic performance of dentists using radiographs. Two Delphi consensus procedures were initiated to determine the presence of visible abnormalities on radiographs and their pathological nature. A panel of expert radiologists was independently selected. This panel reached consensus on the items of both Delphi procedures through a number of rounds of written correspondence. The outcomes of the procedures were compared to a histopathologic norm for the presence of pathology. The group procedure was described as well as tested for dominance on part of any of the individual panellists. It was found that up to 98 per cent agreement occurred among the majority of panellists on items of the procedures. The panellists were significantly better than dentists in the diagnosis of pathology (P < 0.05) and kept improving during the process of consensus formation. In neither of the Delphi procedures was the judgement of any panellist dominant (P > 0.4). It is concluded that, if carefully controlled, the Delphi technique may be used in the development of diagnostic standards in oral radiology.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed1991

Use of a modified Delphi technique to guide coordination of cancer education in Texas medical schools.

Delphi technique is a method of structuring group communication and is useful in achieving consensus on goals, plans, or positions. The Delphi technique was used to determine a course of action to enhance cancer education at each of eight medical schools in Texas. Participants in this study were deans of medicine and a faculty member considered to be the lead cancer expert in the curriculum. A three-generation Delphi study was conducted with the deans using a telephone interview, a personal interview, and a conference of participants, including cancer experts. The Delphi technique was found to be an effective approach for increasing awareness of the statewide cancer plan, for involving all medical schools in achieving the goals of the plan, and for identifying means for enhancing cancer education at each medical school. A consensus was reached to develop a statewide standardized assessment of graduating medical students' knowledge about principles of cancer prevention and screening. The results could serve as a means of determining cancer education needs at each medical school.

Communication↗
PubMed2004

Practical application of the Delphi technique in a bicultural mental health nursing study in New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have employed the Delphi technique to seek expert opinion about aspects of clinical practice. When researching literature on the Delphi technique, however, we discovered discrepancies in its application, and a lack of detail when reporting design, administration, and analysis methods. Such lack of specificity hinders the replicability and assessment of the clinical and cultural validity and reliability of Delphi studies. AIM: The aim of this paper is to detail the practical application of the Delphi technique as a culturally and clinically valid means of accessing expert opinion on the importance of clinical criteria. METHODS: Reference is made to a bicultural New Zealand mental health nursing clinical indicator study that employed a three-round reactive Delphi survey. Equal proportions of Maori and non-Maori nurses (n = 20) and consumers (n = 10) rated the importance of 91 clinical indicator statements for the achievement of professional practice standards. Additional statements (n = 21) suggested by Delphi participants in round 1 were included in subsequent rounds. In round 2, participants explained the rating they applied to statements that had not reached consensus in round 1, and summarized responses were provided to participants in round 3. Consensus was considered to have been achieved if 85% of round 3 ratings lay within a 2-point bracket on the 5-point Likert-scale overall, or in one of the Maori nurse, non-Maori nurse, or consumer groups. A mean rating of 4.5 after round 3 was set as the importance threshold. FINDINGS: Consensus occurred overall on 75 statements, and within groups on another 24. Most statements (n = 86) reached the importance benchmark. CONCLUSIONS: When rigorous methods of participant selection, group composition, participant feedback, and determination of consensus and importance are employed, the Delphi technique is a reliable, cost-effective means of obtaining and prioritizing experts judgements.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1984

The Delphi technique: characteristics and sequence model.

The Delphi Technique is gaining popularity in the health care field, although no model has been presented to capture its sequential process. An attempt was made to trace its characteristics and to design such a model in order to clarify the process and to assist users of this technique.

Decision Making↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Using the Delphi technique to examine the content validity of nursing diagnoses.

Official labeling of phenomena that nurses diagnose and treat requires that researchers validate the existence of proposed diagnoses. One part of the validation process is the examination of content validity. The Delphi technique is a useful methodologic technique for such an examination. This article describes the characteristics, background, advantages, and disadvantages of the Delphi technique, as well as suggested strategies for using it to validate nursing diagnoses. In discussing strategies for using the Delphi technique to validate nursing diagnoses, the format, essential components, and steps of each round of the traditional and modified Delphi procedure are addressed. Round I of the traditional Delphi technique involves selection of a panel of content experts, developing and mailing questionnaires and content analysis, and generating a list of defining characteristics and operational definitions for a nursing diagnosis. Round II involves developing and mailing questionnaires, determining percentage of agreement, and providing statistical analysis. Round III includes developing and mailing questionnaires and providing statistical analysis of data. Round IV consists of developing and mailing the final report, which includes a statistical summary of individual and grouped responses in round III, as well as a minority report. The format and statistical analysis of the modified Delphi procedure is similar to rounds II, III, and IV of the traditional Delphi technique, except the modified technique usually will require only three rounds.

Delphi Technique↗
PubMed2005

The Delphi technique in health sciences education research.

The Delphi technique is a method of collecting opinion on a particular research question. It is based on the premise that pooled intelligence enhances individual judgement and captures the collective opinion of a group of experts without being physically assembled. The conventional Delphi uses a series of questionnaires to generate expert opinion in an anonymous fashion and takes place over a series of rounds. The technique is becoming a popular strategy that straddles both quantitative and qualitative realms. Issues that are critical to its validity are the development of the questionnaire; definition of consensus and how to interpret non-consensus; criteria for and selection of the expert panel; sample size; and data analysis. The authors used the Delphi technique to assist with making recommendations regarding education and training for medical practitioners working in district hospitals in South Africa. The objective of this Delphi was to obtain consensus opinion on content and methods relating to the maintenance of competence of these doctors. They believe the experience gained from their work may be useful for other health science education researchers wishing to use the Delphi method.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed2001

A critical review of the Delphi technique as a research methodology for nursing.

The Delphi technique is an approach used to gain consensus among a panel of experts. This is normally achieved through a series of rounds where information is fed back to panel members using questionnaires. It has been used extensively within social science research and is being increasingly employed by nurse researchers. This popularity has meant that the technique has been adapted in various ways and there is the possibility that the rigour associated with the original format has been threatened. This signals the need for a critical review of the Delphi as a robust and systematic approach to data collection. While there is a great volume of literature surrounding the "Delphi", there is a dearth of papers critically analysing the technique. This paper aims to examine critically the Delphi technique from a range of perspectives. Discussion will focus on problems of definition and the advantages and disadvantages and the techniques' application in nursing. The critique will be structured through an analysis of the key aspects of the Delphi process. These key aspects include analysis of sampling, anonymity, use of experts, rounds and application. The critical analysis highlights the increasing popularity of the Delphi and the modifications to the process which may cause methodological problems. Ultimately, the Delphi has much to offer in terms of gaining consensus from a wide range of individuals on specific topics.

Communication↗
PubMed1993

The Delphi technique: a comparison of results obtained using two expert panels.

The Delphi technique is a useful method of obtaining group consensus. However, "consensus" is not usually defined when this technique is used. This paper describes a study in which two panels of experts (registered nurses who were nurse managers or involved in management education) were asked to identify the competencies expected of first-line nurse managers using the Delphi technique. The results from both panels are compared. Prior to the commencement of the Delphi rounds a baseline mean of 3.00 ("agree" on the Likert scale used) was set for the inclusion of items. The level at which consensus was achieved was defined as the point at which 10% or less of the 168 competencies provided to the panel moved above or below this point of inclusion. A total of 156 of the 168 competencies (93%) presented to the two panels were either retained or rejected by both.

Delphi Technique↗
PubMed1994

The Delphi technique: a worthwhile research approach for nursing?

Since its introduction as a research approach in the late 1940s the Delphi technique has had over 1000 published research utilizations. Most of these have been in the field of social policy. However, a review of contemporary nursing literature suggests that it is becoming a popular choice among nurse researchers. With its focus on maximizing participant's judgements and decision-making abilities the Delphi technique is a useful tool in the research armoury of a young profession. However, questions remain about its scientific respectability. This paper gives an overview of what the Delphi technique is, the criteria for selecting it as a research approach, the studies where it has been used and its advantages and disadvantages.

Choice Behavior↗