Delphi method
Research Methods
Definition. The Delphi method is a structured process for reaching expert consensus through repeated anonymous questionnaire rounds with controlled feedback.
Explanation
In health management it is used to build frameworks, such as components of effective discharge planning (Yam et al., 2012), and to develop future scenarios, such as hospital digitisation (Koebe & Bohnet-Joschko, 2023). It also supports risk assessment, for example of occupational hazards in dentistry (Anaya-Aguilar et al., 2026).
Related concepts
Content validity Mixed methods research Clinical practice guideline
Read on The Health Topics
- Delphi Framework for Effective Hospital Discharge Planning
- Hospital Digitization Futures: A Delphi Scenario Study
- Assessing Risks in Dental Clinics: Expert Insights from Spain
References
Anaya-Aguilar, C., Rosel, E., Rodríguez-Archilla, A., Anaya-Aguilar, R., Bravo, M., & Martínez-Beneyto, Y. (2026). Delphi assessment of occupational hazards in Spanish dentists. Safety Science, 196, 107091. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2025.107091
Koebe, P., & Bohnet-Joschko, S. (2023). What’s next in hospital digitization? A Delphi‑based scenario study. European Journal of Futures Research, 11 (10). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40309‑023‑00222‑0
Yam, C. H. K., Wong, E. L. Y., Cheung, A. W. L., Chan, F. W. K., Wong, F. Y. Y., & Yeoh, E.-K. (2012). Framework and components for effective discharge planning system: a delphi methodology. BMC Health Services Research, 12 (1), 396. https://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/12/396
Cite this entry: Kurutkan, M. N. (2026). Delphi method. In The Health Topics glossary. https://healthtopic.org/glossary/delphi-method/