Use of the Delphi Technique in Pharmaceutical and Health Services Research

The Delphi technique is widely used in healthcare and pharmacy-related research. In practice-based studies, new consensus methods are being increasingly adopted; however, there is a lack of comprehensive and standardized guidelines to support the selection, design, conduct, and reporting of Delphi techniques, which poses challenges for researchers. The paper includes an analysis of various designs that are critical when planning a study, selecting a panel of participants, using the Likert scale, assessing the impact of feedback, defining consensus, and determining the number of rounds. It examines the methodological approaches and challenges of the Delphi technique, as well as the method's advantages and disadvantages. The use of the Delphi technique in healthcare and pharmacy contributes to economically efficient decision-making. Developing evidence-based policies and practices in these fields impacts not only the quality and effectiveness of treatments but also optimizes healthcare system costs overall. Keywords: Delphi technique, Likert scale, consensus.