title: Using consensus group methods such as Delphi and Nominal Group in medical education research.
abstract: Consensus group methods are widely used in research to identify and measure areas where incomplete evidence exists for decision-making. Despite their widespread use, these methods are often inconsistently used and reported. Using examples from the three most commonly used methods, the Delphi, Nominal Group and RAND/UCLA; this paper and associated Guide aim to describe these methods and to highlight common weaknesses in methodology and reporting. The paper outlines a series of recommendations to assist researchers using consensus group methods in providing a comprehensive description and justification of the steps taken in their study.
authors.affiliation: a Division of Rheumatology , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Humphrey-Murto
authors.affiliation: b School of Medicine , Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences , Bethesda , MD , USA.
authors.forename: Lara
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Varpio
authors.affiliation: a Division of Rheumatology , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gonsalves
authors.affiliation: a Division of Rheumatology , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada.
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Wood
mesh_terms: D032921:Consensus; D003697:Delphi Technique; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design