How Do Healthcare Professionals Perceive Delphi Panels and Use Study Outcomes?

OBJECTIVES: Delphi panels are structured, iterative group methods to achieve consensus and inform decision-making. They are increasingly used to gather real-world healthcare perspectives, refining and improving application of health technologies. This research explores the extent that healthcare professionals (HCPs) who had participated in two consecutive Delphi panels applied study outcomes to daily practice.^1,2

METHODS: 11 HCPs (all ophthalmology surgeons) were invited to participate in an online survey. There were 16 questions across three topics: prior experience, engagement with outcomes, and future applications for Delphi panels in ophthalmology. Quantitative and free-text responses were analyzed.

RESULTS: Eight HCPs completed the survey. 'Building consensus' (n=6) and 'informing best practice' (n=6) were cited as the main reasons for participating in the Delphi panels. Six HCPs altered their surgical techniques after participating in the Delphi panels; one did so immediately. Seven HCPs had 'informal discussions' with colleagues about Delphi outcomes, five 'distributed the manuscript' and two 'conducted internal training'.

HCPs identified 'clarifying approaches' (n=6) and 'prioritizing future research' (n=6) as potential topics for future ophthalmology Delphi panels. In free-text responses, four HCPS noted their usefulness in generating evidence where gaps exist, two responded that Delphi panels should review existing evidence. All participants agreed that Delphi panels add value to ophthalmology; four noted Delphi panels may be used to inform guidelines where data from long-term studies are missing.

CONCLUSIONS: Delphi panels can play a role in helping to build consensus and informing best practice. Our results suggest that Delphi panel study outcomes can influence daily practice for participating HCPs and potentially their colleagues. The participating HCPs agreed that Delphi panels add value and may be useful prior to or in combination with long-term study data, potentially informing guidelines.

1. Khawaja, AP. et al. Ophthalmol Ther 2022;11;1743–66.

2. Khawaja, AP. et al. Ophthalmol Ther 2024;13;1569–88.