Survey and Delphi Methods in Critical Care Research-Survey and Delphi Methods in Critical Care Research

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webcast explored how to design rigorous surveys and Delphi studies for critical care research. Surveys describe the opinions, practices, or preferences of a defined population, often at a particular point in time. Delphi methods use repeated, anonymous feedback from an expert panel to build consensus on an issue, definition, or guidance.<br /><br />Panelists emphasized starting with a clear research aim and scope, reviewing existing literature, and deciding whether the question is “What are people doing?” (a survey) or “Can experts agree on what should be done?” (a Delphi). Study teams should plan the steering committee and panel composition carefully, including relevant professional, geographic, and patient perspectives. Consensus thresholds, stopping rules, and plans for nonresponse should be established in advance. Panel size should suit the project’s scope and be manageable.<br /><br />Anonymity can reduce deference to prominent experts and groupthink. Clear, carefully tested questions grounded in a literature or scoping review can prevent confusion and improve the process. Teams should also anticipate attrition, report nonresponse transparently, and avoid changing questions substantially late in the rounds, since this may invalidate earlier votes. Methodological and statistical expertise is valuable, particularly when interpreting results or selecting outcome measures.<br /><br />The discussion stressed that disagreement is informative, not necessarily a failure. Final reports should distinguish consensus from dissensus and use terms such as “recommendation” cautiously. Survey and Delphi projects can take years, so mentorship, realistic timelines, and rigorous planning are essential.

Meta Tag

Concept Delphi Method

Concept Survey Method

Concept Modified Delphi Method

Concept Expert Panel

Concept Consensus Thresholds

Keywords

survey design

Delphi method

critical care research

expert consensus

questionnaire development

consensus thresholds

anonymity

panel composition

nonresponse bias

research methodology

Delphi Method

Survey Method

Modified Delphi Method

Expert Panel

Consensus Thresholds

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