Objectives: In health sciences, the Delphi technique is primarily used by researchers when the available knowledge is incomplete or subject to uncertainty and other methods that provide higher levels of evidence cannot be used. The aim is to collect expert-based judgments and often to use them to identify consensus.

What is the purpose of the Delphi technique?

The Delphi process aims to determine the extent to which experts or lay people agree about a given issue and with each other and in areas where they disagree, achieve a consensus opinion. Delphi technique is usually conducted through questionnaires.

When should the Delphi method be used?

The Delphi method is particularly useful in areas of limited research, since survey instruments and ideas are generated from a knowledgeable participant pool (Hasson et al., 2000), and it is suited to explore areas where controversy, debate or a lack of clarity exist.