🧠 Consensus Methodology
Consensus methodology refers to structured approaches used to achieve agreement among a group of experts or stakeholders, particularly when empirical data is incomplete or expert opinions diverge.
🔑 Main Consensus Methods
1. Delphi Method
- Process: Iterative rounds of anonymous questionnaires among experts. Feedback is shared between rounds.
- Goal: Converge toward consensus.
- Applications: Health guidelines, forecasting, policy development.
- Advantages: Anonymity reduces bias; allows remote participation.
- Limitations: Time-consuming; risk of participant drop-off.
2. Nominal Group Technique (NGT)
- Process: Structured in-person session. Ideas are generated silently, then shared and ranked.
- Goal: Rapid prioritization through voting.
- Applications: Needs assessment, guideline creation.
- Advantages: Promotes equal participation; fast.
- Limitations: Requires physical presence; no anonymity.
3. RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM)
- Process: Combines Delphi with systematic literature review. Experts rate clinical scenarios in two rounds.
- Goal: Assess appropriateness of interventions.
- Applications: Clinical decision-making tools.
- Advantages: Evidence-informed; highly structured.
- Limitations: Resource and time-intensive.
4. Consensus Conference
- Process: Public or expert panel discusses and issues a joint consensus statement.
- Goal: Incorporate diverse perspectives.
- Applications: Ethical issues, public health, biotechnology.
- Advantages: Democratic, transparent.
- Limitations: Complex logistics; unpredictable outcomes.
5. Modified Delphi / e-Delphi
- Process: Online version of Delphi; often with fewer rounds.
- Goal: Speed up consensus while maintaining rigor.
- Applications: Virtual expert panels, core outcome sets.
- Advantages: Efficient and accessible.
- Limitations: May lack depth or iterative refinement.
📌 When to Use Consensus Methods
- Evidence is limited or conflicting
- Expert opinion is needed to guide practice
- Developing:
- Clinical practice guidelines
- Core outcome sets
- Ethical or policy frameworks
📘 Reporting and Standards
- CREDES – for Delphi methodology
- COS-STAD – for developing Core Outcome Sets
- AGREE II – for guideline reporting quality
Feel free to adapt for specific projects (e.g. cranioplasty outcome sets or neurosurgical guidelines).